The Indian Armed Forces successfully test-fired an underwater ballistic missile known as the K-15 on January 27, 2013. This comes just a day after the nation celebrated their Republic Day on January 26, 2013. With this launch the Indian Navy becomes the fifth in the world to have a sub-oceanic missile of this capability after Russia, China, France and the United States.
Photo Credit: Livefist
The missile launch was the twelfth time the test procedure was undertaken and was launched from an underwater pontoon off the Bay of Bengal. The Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile then rose 20 kilometers into the air and traveled a distance of 700 kilometers before crashing into the water close to its designated landing area.
All objectives of the exercise were successfully achieved according to V.K. Saraswat, who is the adviser to India’s Defense Minister. This victory was made sweeter by the fact that the impact accuracy of the firearm was within single digits. The Indian Navy will soon be equipped with the latest in nuclear weaponry. There are around 12 nuclear-tipped missiles being readied for integration with the INS Arihant, which is India’s very own nuclear submarine.
The reactor for the submarine will be started up in either May 2013 or June 2013, after which trials in the harbor will begin. Apart from the current K-15 missiles, the country is also developing a K-4 missile with a 3,000 kilometer range.
