Nuclear-capable K-4 ballistic missile successfully tested from INS Arihant

Nuclear capable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLMB) code named K-4, was successfully test fired from an undisclosed location in the Bay of Bengal.
Test: It was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) along with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) which provided all logistics.
The missile was fired from 20-meter deep from onboard silos of the Ship Submersible Ballistic, Nuclear (SSBN) submarine. During the test it successfully hit with high accuracy after covering more than 700 km distance.

About K-4 ballistic missile

• The K-4 is part of the K-family of missiles, a series of SLBMs (Submarine-launched ballistic missile). The series is named after former president and scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
• It under development by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to arm the Arihant-class submarines.
• It is a derivative of nuclear capable Agni series (medium to intercontinental range) missile which are already in service. It has reduced length compared to Agni series.
• Features: The K-4 missile is an Intermediate range SLBM with effective range of over 3500 km. It is 12 metres long and has a diameter of 1.3 metres.
• It weighs nearly 17 tonnes. It is powered solid rocket propellant. It can carry a nuclear as well as conventional warhead weighing up to 2 tonnes.
• First test: In 2010, the first gas-booster of K-4 missile was successfully tested from a submerged pontoon. The first test was carried out in 2014 from a depth of 30 metres.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2016