{"id":11856,"date":"2025-05-12T15:52:29","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T10:22:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=11856"},"modified":"2025-05-12T15:55:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T10:25:38","slug":"kalam-4-missile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/kalam-4-missile\/","title":{"rendered":"Kalam-4 Missile, Range, Length, Capacity, Development"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kalam-4 or K-4 Missile is a nuclear capable intermediate-range submarine launched ballistic missile developed by DRDO to support its Arihant class submarines. The missile has a range of maximum 3,500 km, providing an operational flexibility. Kalam-4 is the first missile to operationalize India\u2019s sea-based nuclear triad and accommodate the demand of credible second-strike capability of its nuclear doctrine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Kalam-4 Missile Development<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

The strategic value of submarine-launched nuclear weapons has long been recognised due to their inherent advantages in flexibility, survivability, and operational secrecy\u2014qualities that align closely with India\u2019s doctrine of \u2018No First Use\u2019 and its policy of credible minimum deterrence.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

India's first indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arihant, was launched in 2009 and commissioned in 2016. While its initial armament\u2014the K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)\u2014had limited range, this shortfall has been progressively addressed with the development of longer-range variants.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

In January 2010, the K-4 missile underwent a classified test off the coast of Visakhapatnam. The 10-metre-long, 1.3-metre-wide missile was launched from a submerged pontoon located 50 metres underwater. Upon launch, it successfully breached the surface, validating critical technological capabilities. A follow-up test further demonstrated the missile\u2019s ability to withstand 50 kg\/cm\u00b2 of water pressure and launch effectively from a submerged platform before its booster ignition phase.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Also Read: Dhanush Missile<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Kalam-4 Missile Features\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

The <\/span>K-4<\/b> is a two-stage, submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) developed by India\u2019s DRDO. Designed for strategic deterrence, it is capable of high-precision strikes and features advanced countermeasures to evade ballistic missile defence systems.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Key Specifications include:<\/b><\/h3>\r\n