India has successfully tested its most ambitious weapon system - a long range submarine-launched ballistic missile, codenamed K-4, from submarine INS Arihant.
The nuclear-capable missile can strike targets up to 3,500 kilometres away. The submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) was test-fired from the nuclear-powered submarine Arihant, both of which have been indigenously developed, officials said.
Both the missile and the submarine have been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
According to sources, the test was conducted on March 31 from Arihant in the Bay of Bengal. The missile was fired from around 20 metres under water, and covered a distance of 700 km before hitting the target.
Admiral Arun Prakash called it a major step towards completing the nuclear triad. "It is a major step towards attaining inter-continental range deterrence to make full use of Arihant," he said.
The missile was developed specifically for Arihant, as the nuclear capable Agni-III could not be compacted to fit in the submarine. Arihant has a 17 metre diameter hull.K-4, along with the smaller K-15 Sagarika, another indigenously developed nuclear capable missile, will arm Arihant, the submarine, which will complete India’s nuclear triad.