India continues its tests of nuclear-capable missiles launched from submarines. The latest test, conducted successfully by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) from Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, was marked as a significant achievement. The short-range B-05LV missile was launched on July 1, 2023, at 18:50 hours and was reported to have a range of over 700 kilometers.
This missile is known as K-15, a submarine-launched ballistic missile. K-15 utilizes a booster to surface from underwater and has a two-stage structure. After reaching a fixed altitude, the missile ignites its rocket motor and can achieve speeds of up to Mach 7.5. Demonstrating high accuracy in previous trials using GPS/NavIC and inertial navigation systems, the missile successfully reaches its intended targets. (Read Also: “Israel Strengthens its Fleet with a $3 Billion Order of F-35 Fighter Jets“)
India’s success in testing nuclear-capable missiles launched from submarines has also been reported by Pragativadi. According to the report, India had previously conducted a successful missile test from the submarine INS Arihant. This recent test signifies India conducting a second trial of its nuclear-capable missile within an eight-month period.
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Significant Investments in Missile Technology in India
Under the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) program, India had conducted several cruise missile tests. On February 21, a test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) took place on the shores of Odisha state in India. The initial test was conducted in 2020 but was aborted due to an expected deviation in the missile’s trajectory. The second test achieved partial success with proper functioning of the missile’s engine, while the third test ended in failure due to a motor malfunction.
However, the fourth test conducted in October 2022 was successfully completed. This test, based on the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) Nirbhay, incorporated some system modifications. These tests conducted by the Defense Research and Development Organization demonstrate India’s progress in indigenous technological cruise missiles.
India’s successful missile tests highlight the country’s advancements and capabilities in defense technologies. Submarine-launched nuclear missiles and indigenous technological cruise missiles contribute to India’s defense capabilities and national security. These tests also strengthen India’s role in regional and global power dynamics.
Sagarika Submarine-Launched Nuclear Missile
Sagarika, also known as K-15 or B-05, is among India’s submarine-launched ballistic missiles. It has a range of 750 kilometers (466 miles) and is designed for retaliatory nuclear strikes. It constitutes a significant part of India’s nuclear triad.
The K-15 missile is a two-stage ballistic missile launched from a submarine that uses a gas booster for launch from the firing platform. Once reaching a fixed altitude, the missile is powered by a solid rocket motor. Developed specifically for use on India’s nuclear-powered Arihant-class submarines, the K-15 has an approximate range of 750 kilometers (466 miles).
The Sagarika missile project began in the late 1990s and was developed at the missile complex in Hyderabad by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The submarine-launched ballistic missile complex, also known as “Project 420,” was completed in 2001 and handed over to the Indian Navy for testing. Integration of the Sagarika missile with India’s nuclear-powered Arihant-class submarine commenced in 2009.
By 2008, the Sagarika missile had been successfully tested seven times, with four full-range tests. Some of the tests involved launching the missile from a submerged pontoon at a depth of 50 meters (160 ft) off the coast of Visakhapatnam. Additionally, a land-based version of the K-15 was successfully tested. A full-range test of the missile was conducted in 2012, where it achieved single-digit accuracy and successfully hit its targets.
The Sagarika missile was successfully tested from India’s INS Arihant submarine in 2015. It underwent three more tests in 2018, completing the initial phase of user trials. Following these tests, it was announced that the missile had achieved full operational capability. (Read Also: “Anka-3 Fuel Refueling Version to be Developed“)
Sagarika represents a significant advancement in India’s defense capabilities, particularly in the domain of submarine-launched nuclear missiles. It enhances India’s defense capabilities, strengthens its national security, and reinforces its role in regional and global power dynamics.
