A ballistic missile test from an Indian nuclear submarine in the Bay of Bengal was successful.
“INS Arihant carried out a successful launch of a Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) on Friday,” the Indian defense ministry statement said here last evening.
The missile was tested to a predetermined distance, and with extremely good accuracy, it hit the target spot in the Bay of Bengal. The weapon system’s technical and operational parameters have all been verified.
According to the statement, the successful launch of the SLBM by INS Arihant for user training is vital to demonstrate crew competency and validate the SSBN program, a crucial component of India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Submarine-launched ballistic missile test proves the credibility of India’s naval nuclear deterrent. Indian ballistic missile submarines may now be able to target China and Pakistan from underwater locations when deployed, local media reported.
A robust, survivable and assured retaliatory capability is in keeping with India’s policy to have ‘Credible Minimum Deterrence’ that underpins its ‘No First Use’ commitment, the statement added.
