Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: 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 on Wednesday, reports Rajat Pandit.
There was, however, no official word on the missile test that took place off Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal in the morning. 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 Wednesday’s 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.
