India is learnt to have tested a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), designed for a strike range of 3,500-km, from the newly commissioned nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat.
There was, however, no official word on the missile test that took place off Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal. Sources said it was the solid-fuelled K-4 missile that was tested from the 6,000-tonne INS Arighaat. The K-4 has so far only been tested from submersible pontoons over the last several years.
A detailed analysis of test results will show whether the missile firing was actually a success and met the laid down trial objectives and parameters, the sources added.
A few days ago, India had issued a public area warning and notice to airmen (NOTAM) for an intermediate range missile test over a 3,490-km flight corridor in the Bay of Bengal between Nov 27 and 30.
INS Arighaat, the country’s second nuclear-powered submarine with nuclear tipped ballistic missiles (called SSBN in naval parlance), was commissioned on Aug 29. The submarine can carry K-4 missiles, unlike her forerunner INS Arihant armed only with 750-km range K-15 missiles.
India plans to induct the third SSBN, with a displacement of 7,000-tonne, as INS Aridhaman early next year.
