The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested an underwater-launched missile called K-4 with a range of about 3,000 km on March 24, 2014.
The launch took place from a pontoon submerged more than 30 metres deep in the sea off the Visakhapatnam coast.
The two-stage missile will carry nuclear warheads, forming the lethal payload of India’s nuclear-powered submarines, which are under construction.
DRDO is planning to do many more missions to prove the missile’s sub-systems capability and increase their
reliability.
India is the fifth country in the world to have a missile launched underwater. Other countries are United States, Russia (having maximum number of these
missiles operational), China and United Kingdom.
K family of missiles
The K family of missiles is a series of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) developed by India to boost its second-strike capabilities and thus the nuclear deterrence.
Information about this family of missiles has mostly been kept classified. The classified 'K' missile family is known as the "Black Project" which DRDO officials are covertly working on.
It is reported that the top secret indigenous "K" missiles are faster, lighter and stealthier.
K series missiles
1. K-15 or Sagarika K-15 missile
The Sagarika/K-15 missile is the SLBM version of the land-based Shaurya missile.
Nearly 10 development trials of K-15 missile have already been completed from pontoons submerged in the Bay of Bengal over the past few years.
The last developmental test of the missile was conducted on January 27, 2013 from an underwater launch platform off the coast of Visakhapatnam.
2. K-4 missle
K-4, named after former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
This missile is actually a SLBM Version of the Agni-III missile.
The Missile is said to have two variants to arm with future nuclear submarines of the Arihant class.
- One with a range of 3,500 km that is 10 m long.
- Other with a range of 5,000 km will be 12 m long.
3. K-5 Missile
K-5 missile is reportedly being developed by DRDO for the Indian strategic forces underwater platforms.
It will arm the future variants of Arihant class submarines of the Indian Navy.
DRDO is in the process of developing a submarine-launched solid fuel missile with a maximum range of 6,000 kilometers and a payload of one tonne.
Significance K series missiles
These 'K' missiles are important for India's nuclear deterrent arsenal because they provide
India with a much needed ideal and invulnerable second-strike capability as stated in India's Nuclear Doctrine.
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