India Test-fires N-Capable K-4 Missile from Arihant Submarine
India has successfully tested its most ambitious weapon system - a long range submarine-launched ballistic missile, codenamed K-4, from submarine INS Arihant. The nuclear-capable missile can strike targets up to 3,500 kilometres away. The submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) was test-fired from the nuclear-powered submarine Arihant, both of which have been indigenously developed, officials said. Both the missile and the submarine have been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). According to sources, the test was conducted on March 31 from Arihant in the Bay of Bengal. The missile was fired from around 20 metres under water, and covered a distance of 700 km before hitting the target.
Indian Navy Monitoring Activities of China
Amid increasing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean region, Navy Chief Admiral R.K. Dhowan said that Indian Navy “minutely” monitors the activities of its Chinese counterpart in the region, reports PTI. Underlining that India's maritime resources are directly linked to country's economy, Dhowan said the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships have been deployed in anti-piracy operations in Indian Ocean since 2008 along with some submarines. "PLA Navy's activities are minutely monitored by Indian Navy and our belief is that the responsibility of protecting Indian Ocean and our coastline lies with the Navy. Our ships, aircraft carriers are always on alert so that our security is maintained," he said.
