Why is it in News?
→ India tested the K-4 missile from nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat.
→ The test enhanced India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.
Important Points:
- K-4 is a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
- It is also known as Kalam-4.
- It has an operational range of approximately 3,500 km.
- It was tested from INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal.
- It is designed for Arihant-class submarines.
- Each Arihant-class submarine can carry four K-4 missiles.
- It was developed indigenously by DRDO.
- Missile length is 12 metres.
- Missile weight is 17 tonnes.
- It uses a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system.
- Payload capacity is up to 2 tonnes including nuclear warhead.
- It supports cold-launch capability from underwater.
- Guidance uses inertial navigation, GPS, and NavIC.
- Circular Error Probable is less than 10 metres.
- Missile has manoeuvring capability to evade missile defence systems.