Indian Navy tests SLBM as part of nuclear triad
India test-fired an SLBM – presumed to be a K-15 – from the submerged INS Arihant SSBN. (Photo: Indian MoD)
India has two new indigenously designed SSBNs in build, while its in-service INS Arihant recently test-fired a ballistic missile.
The Indian Navy (IN) is awaiting delivery of the INS Arighat (S3) SSBN that is currently undergoing sea trials. Meanwhile, India’s third SSBN, the larger S4, is believed to have moved from dry dock to water.
Unlike the 6,000t INS Arihant (S2) and S3 – which are armed with four K-4 or 12 K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) – S4 will have eight K-4 or 24 K-15 SLBMs launched through vertical tubes.
To validate its SSBN programme, the MoD test-fired an SLBM from INS Arihant on 14 October, likely with an operational 750km-range K-15.
‘The missile was tested to a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US tests the newest QUICKSINK maritime weapon variant in the Norwegian Sea]()
US tests the newest QUICKSINK maritime weapon variant in the Norwegian Sea
The low-cost, anti-ship, precision-guided 500lb class capability was launched by a USAF B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class]()
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
