K-4 Ballistic Missile

Why in news?

India successfully tested the K-4 nuclear-capable ballistic missile from the INS Arighaat submarine in the Bay of Bengal, strengthening its nuclear deterrence. This test positions India among nations capable of launching nuclear missiles from land, air, and sea.

About K-4 missile

• The K-4 ballistic missile is a crucial component of India’s nuclear triad, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) designed to enhance India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.
• Development: The K-4 missile is developed by DRDO to strengthen India's nuclear deterrence through submarine-launched ballistic missile systems.
• Range and Payload: The K-4 has a range of 3,500 km and can carry a nuclear warhead weighing up to 2,000 kg, enhancing India’s second-strike capability.
• Platform: The K-4 missile is designed for nuclear-powered submarines like the Arihant-class, which are key to India’s strategic deterrence.
• Guidance and Accuracy: It features advanced guidance systems for precise targeting and reliable performance.
• Significance for UPSC: The K-4 missile’s development is a critical aspect of India’s defense policy and nuclear strategy, making it relevant for General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations) and Paper 3 (Security issues) of the UPSC Mains.
• Strategic Deterrence: As part of India’s nuclear triad, the K-4 contributes to India’s second-strike capability, ensuring a strong defense posture and alignment with India’s no-first-use policy.
• Testing and Deployment: The K-4 missile has undergone successful tests and will be integrated into India’s nuclear-powered submarines, enhancing the country’s naval strategic capabilities.