Daily News Analysis

India Successfully Tests K-4 Nuclear-Capable Missile

stylish_lining

India Successfully Tests K-4 Nuclear-Capable Missile

Overview of the Test:

  • India has successfully test-fired the K-4, an indigenously developed nuclear-capable ballistic missile, from the INS Arighaat, a nuclear-powered submarine, located in the Bay of Bengal.

  • K-4 has a strike range of over 3,500 km, which enhances India's strategic deterrence and brings the country in line with other global powers possessing submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) technology.

Strategic Importance:

  • Global SLBM Capability: With the successful test of the K-4 missile, India becomes one of only six countries with SLBM technology. The countries possessing SLBM technology are:

    • United States

    • Russia

    • China

    • France

    • United Kingdom

    • India

  • Nuclear Triad: This successful test bolsters India's nuclear triad (land, air, and sea-based nuclear capabilities), which is crucial for maintaining a credible deterrence and ensuring India's strategic defense posture. It aligns with India's 'No First Use' policy on nuclear weapons, ensuring India can retaliate effectively in case of a nuclear attack.

Key Features of K-4:

  • Range: Over 3,500 km. The missile is capable of striking targets at great distances, further enhancing India's deterrence capabilities.

  • Submarine Launch: The INS Arighaat successfully demonstrated the ability to launch long-range nuclear missiles from a nuclear-powered submarine, a significant milestone for India's defense capabilities.

Future Developments:

  • K-5 SLBM: India is also working on the K-5 SLBM, which is expected to have a range exceeding 5,000 km, further increasing the nation's strategic strike options and reinforcing its indigenous defense technology.

Conclusion:

The successful test of the K-4 missile is a testament to India's growing technological expertise in the defense sector. It significantly enhances India's strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, while reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a credible and responsible nuclear deterrence.

Local Governance in India

The Panchayati Raj system and municipal bodies serve as the first point of contact between citizens and the state. However, grassroots governance in India often struggles with inaccessible, detail
Share It

China’s Mega-Dam on Brahmaputra

China is constructing a massive 60,000 MW hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo River (called the Brahmaputra in India and Jamuna in Bangladesh), located in Tibet near Gelling in Arunachal Prad
Share It

India Hosts 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave

India recently hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, focusing on enhancing maritime connectivity and sustainable development across the Bay of Bengal region. This event underscor
Share It

Manipur Crisis

The ongoing crisis in Manipur, which has now lasted for over two years, has resulted in over 250 deaths and widespread displacement, yet it has not received the same level of national priority as
Share It

Road Safety in India

India is at a pivotal moment in its mobility transformation. While the country’s growing road infrastructure and urbanization offer numerous opportunities, they also present significant chal
Share It

India Africa

India and Africa are building a robust and evolving partnership, particularly in the realm of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which holds tremendous potential to boost socio-economic developm
Share It

Mangrove Ecosystems

The International Day for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, observed annually on 26th July, serves as a vital reminder of the urgent need to protect mangroves, which are disappearing at an alar
Share It

Food Security and Nutrition

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2025 report presents a mixed picture of global progress in combating hunger, highlighting both positive trends and pressing challenges,
Share It

The ‘Rising Northeast

The Investor Summit 2025’ organized by the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) in New Delhi is a major event aimed at showcasing the immense investment and trade potentia
Share It

India's Smart Cities Mission (SCM)

Launched in 2015, India's Smart Cities Mission (SCM) was conceived to tackle urban challenges using technology and sustainable development practices. The mission has witnessed significant inve
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS