NEW DELHI: India is reported to have successfully tested a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the newly commissioned INS Arighaat, a nuclear-powered submarine, on Wednesday. The missile is designed with a strike range of 3,500 km, according to reports by Rajat Pandit.
The missile test, which took place in the morning off the coast of Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal, has yet to be officially confirmed by authorities. Sources have indicated that the missile tested was the solid-fuelled K-4, launched from the 6,000-tonne INS Arighaat. Previously, the K-4 missile had only been tested from submersible pontoons in prior trials.
A detailed assessment of the test results is expected to confirm whether the missile launch met the established trial objectives and success criteria, sources added.
Earlier this week, 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, scheduled between November 27 and 30.
