Indian Missiles and Munitions Discussion

[John]

Just a small factoid, due to Ramjet motor Akash missile may have no escape kill zone greater than MRSAM for fighter type of target even though the theoretical maximum range of MRSAM is 50km while that of Akash is 25km.

That is not true the ramjet has burn time of only 20 seconds and is not liquid fueled so it cannot be throttled. If it used the liquid ramjet engine similar to Brahmos it would be different story.

[Austin]

Just a small factoid, due to Ramjet motor Akash missile may have no escape kill zone greater than MRSAM for fighter type of target even though the theoretical maximum range of MRSAM is 50km while that of Akash is 25km.

Like you said it depends on the target , A ramjet would be effective since it retains its energy all the way to the target and Akash would be effective for the given range of 25 km against manouvering supersonic targets. While a solid fuel missile will have to burn its energy and practically its engagement range will be reduced to half to keep with with the target.

But all targets on battle zone wont be a supersonic fighter or a highly manouvering one .....the solid fuel missile will use range to it advantage with dealing with Slow Subsonic Cruise Missile or PGM's , it will fly high ( 25 km ) and will swoop on its target from top converting its PE into KE.

Although these days most modern solid fuel missiles uses dual propulsion motor/solid fuel to get a balanced trade off between range and energy like Barak-8 does.

Also manouvering like Skid to Turn in case of solid fuel missile versus bank to turn in ramjet is also more effecient in retaining energy.

[member_20453]

I think Akash shouldn't be used for cruise missiles, it is best served cold against incoming fighters and bombers. Cruise Missiles are better served with specific SHORADS ideally the Pantsir-S1, I think this should be the ideal system to order as the last layer of defence for all air, naval and major army bases. With its twin 30mm auto canons and sweet 12 missiles per launcher, a nice little battery of 6 launchers around a base should ensure a 72 missile + Anti air canon coverage, more than enough to take out any left over miscreants ideally cruise missiles. The Pantsir S-1 was tested against a live cruise missile and it knocked it out.

http://en.ria.ru/images/15825/45/158254591.jpg

A battery of 4-6 launchers dispersed around key targets from majors air bases to FOBs, Navals bases and army bases, nuke plants, major dams and other critical targets, around 600 launchers can be deployed. Another 400 can be ordered for our strike corps as they would be very capable shield against attack helos, cruise missiles, fighters and uavs. I think a major deal 1000 launchers with full-tot, AESA radar and local manufacturing will not only ensure our Russian friendship hums along but we have a deadly near impenetrable net.

[Singha]

imo maitri should supply the SRSAM and perhaps we can license produce the oerlikon gun if blacklisting is removed.
cheaper than a rugged tracked mobile system than pantsir with high import content.

[vaibhav.n]

Srai,

Thanks for digging out the SAM Group config.

True, They are fairly similar.The Batteries can operate fairly autonomously within 30Kms of its Regimental Command Centre.

The equivalent of an IAF Akash Squadron would be the IA Battery. Unlike the former which is a standalone system, the IA Akash Battery would be a part of a much larger AD Missile Regt with 3 Batteries.

The IA collated most of its SA-6 systems into all-missile enlarged formations and called them SAM Groups. These were attached to their Strike Corps.

I think the biggest revelation is the fact that the Wheeled Akash systems which have gone for pre-production trials so looks like the SA-6 equipped SAM Groups would have to wait.I think Rohit is right, the Wheeled variants could be for own rear area protection and thus protect a larger AoR.

However, any-which way we look at it the Akash SAM is slated for much larger induction within the IA.

[member_20453]

imo maitri should supply the SRSAM and perhaps we can license produce the oerlikon gun if blacklisting is removed.
cheaper than a rugged tracked mobile system than pantsir with high import content.

Maitri sounds good but imo it doesn't match the Pantsir S-1, its altitude limit is 3000m and range 15km while Pantsir has range of 20km and higher cieling of 15000m , it doesn't have the mobility of the Pantsir S-1 and Oerlikon also needs a proper vehicle, I don't like the idea of stationary air defence, Oerlikon guns on the TATA Kestrel would be better. Also due to french deal, its most likely more expensive to go for the Maitri, better we go for joint new development of Indianized Pantsir MKI with new AESA radar.

[member_20317]

Old link but good for the records.

http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/model.html
http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/d ... _based.htm

Model Based Data Fusion

In an air defence weapon system, the radars are placed optimally considering attack and defence profiles. These radars can be of different accuracies with possibility of tracking the target for interception. Depending on the threat and geometry of defence units, the location of target relative to the radars can be different. Therefore, the accuracy of target tracks from the radars is different during the mid-course and homing guidance. Hence, it is imperative to improve tracking accuracy in order to reduce the miss distance. The fusion of target state vectors can improve the tracking accuracy. The model-based data fusion technique, which is state vector fusion in essence, has been developed by DRDO for accuracy improvement in x, y, z components, guarding against data loss from a sensor, increasing the number of measurements during homing, and bump less transfer within the sensor set. The technique can be used in real time to provide data to the guidance system with better accuracy and reliability.

Salient Features

Synchronized measurements not required
Measurement extrapolation avoided
Centralised fusion of distributed sources possible.

http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/d ... del_31.jpg

And this some may again like to have for the records

[Indranil]

^^^Is this just me or does the wheeled Akash launcher have 2 x missile arms? Which would mean that 16 x 3 launchers would have same number of ready to fire missiles as 24 x 2 launchers. And could this be because the tracked Akash Group is likely to provide AD cover to a more compact AOR while the wheeled Akash Group is going to be more spread out?

PS: Though, from the launch video it seems that it has 3 x arms with missile being fired from central arm.

It is 3. Check picture in the Tata Power SED section (Page 12).
Tata in Defence (Defexpo 2014)

[John]

imo maitri should supply the SRSAM and perhaps we can license produce the oerlikon gun if blacklisting is removed.
cheaper than a rugged tracked mobile system than pantsir with high import content.

Maitri sounds good but imo it doesn't match the Pantsir S-1, its altitude limit is 3000m and range 15km while Pantsir has range of 20km and higher cieling of 15000m , it doesn't have the mobility of the Pantsir S-1 and Oerlikon also needs a proper vehicle, I don't like the idea of stationary air defence, Oerlikon guns on the TATA Kestrel would be better. Also due to french deal, its most likely more expensive to go for the Maitri, better we go for joint new development of Indianized Pantsir MKI with new AESA radar.

Maitri should have characteristic similar to VL-MICA which has altitude > 9 km and range 25 km . Even Stinger or Igla can hit target at altitude higher than 3 km..

[member_20453]

http://www.livefistdefence.com/2010/07/ ... ri-sr.html

From what is out in the public so far, well seems like 15km and 3km altitude, pretty much a worthless missile, waste of money

[Aditya_V]

It might be very useful against CM's, Helicopters, UAV and low flying strike aircraft.

in Kargil, IRAQ etc, Stingers, SA-7's etc could not hit fighters 6000 feet above the SAM, only transport aircraft can be targted by Manpads above this height.

[Singha]

I very much doubt if the vl mica can tackle a target at a on ground range of 10km and 9km altitude. maybe these two should be seen as separate max figures not together. the missile remains unchanged and does not have a addl booster.
when a AAM not originally designed for SAM use is taken (vlmica, derby, python) , its relatively small motor designed for high alt use suffers a lot more in comparison to purpose built SAMs with beefy motors. the drag force at sea level vs 40,000ft is way higher
http://www.strategypage.com/militaryfor ... ofcomments
its top speed and speed dropoff after burnout will never reach that in the A2A mode.

only the company reps/IAF with reams of test data and curves can give a true pic of derby vs vlmica type comparisons at sea level.

my view is these things can protect a circle of around 5km radiums and 3km height effectively against fast and agile crossing/receding/approaching targets...maybe a little more if fired down the throat of approaching targets...but not to expect them to be area defence bubbles...they are point defence..ideal for camps and airbases but not for more area denial ops like Akash/PAC3/Buk. MANPADS might have a similar bubble but cannot even handle fast crossing or receding targets in all likelihood. so that is one notch lower than these point defence SAMs...atleast CIWS guns can launch a barrage of ammo at crossing targets or receding targets and hope to cause some damage or force a diversion.

the pakis have invested a lot in manpads and set great store by them, but a simple innovation like the mjoelnir gliding submunition dispenser launched from low level 5-10km away totally bypasses that threat unless a manpad wielding jihadi tspian is posted on every tree for miles around. useless against medium alt LGB shooters too, not to speak of wing range extention kits gliding in from 30km away.

[Indranil]

Septimus, the altitude for Maitri is wrongly reported. The Army requirement is for a QRSAM with reaction time of less than 6 seconds and an altitude of minimum 6 km. That 3 km talk comes from a slide that Shiv Aroor posted:


I think there is a typo in the slide. It must have been Altitude: 3 - 10 km. Instead it looks like 3 -0 km because of the typo.

[NRao]

Killing time, came across this (very low priority read):

BrahMos Aerospace

[Paul]

http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories ... decade.htm

In 2011, Greece awarded Israeli company ‘Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ a contract worth about €100 million for 300 SPICE 1000 weapons – amounting to almost $480,000 unit cost. The long range Brahmos cruise missile being adapted to the Su-30 MKI costs in excess of $2.5 million.

The good news is that DRDO has had some success in its indigenisation efforts in this field. In 2010, IAF appears to have successfully tested a DRDO produced LGB (Sudarshan) with a stand-off range of 9 km. That the tests were followed by an order for 50 units suggests a good beginning. A next generation smart bomb with a stand-off range of 50 km now appears to be under development. There would undoubtedly be teething problems. But if DRDO persists and rekindles user confidence, it could help IAF usher in a new era of capability.

500 CBU 105 sensor Bombs, 250 SPICE 1000. Indian stockpile of PGMs should be around 1000 or more by now.

[John]

I think there is a typo in the slide. It must have been Altitude: 3 - 10 km. Instead it looks like 3 -0 km because of the typo.

Beat me to it i think it is supposed to be 3 m to 10 km which would fit INs requirement of being able to intercept sea skimmers.

Singha

Those are max figures i doubt they can traverse 15 km and intercept a maneuvering target at 10 km. That said i believe there was plans to optimize and increase VL-MICA range to 25 km by using larger booster not sure what ever happened to that.

[Indranil]

I don't think the MICA VR has that amount of energy. It was designed to engage targets which are flying really close to the surface and distances of upto 15 km (you, of all people know the challenges and utilities of this, especially in the naval scenario). This has been tested for targets flying low and 12 kms away.

HAving said that I like the idea of booster + missile.

[Singha]

maitri/spyder whatever we do next has to be boxed VL and capable of severe volleys to deal with saturation attacks. I fear the 3 arm akash thing is a bit outdated concept......they should start work asap on a VL module of 12 Akash on a flatbed truck, similar to vl mica but bigger.
the land based barak8 would surely be VL so some launcher tech could be ported from that project.

[Will]

http://idrw.org/?p=34052#more-34052

The Russians helped us on the A3?

[vic]

After Kargil, India ordered 1000 Israeli LGBs. With the massive LDP order by IAF being discussed, it seems that IAF intends to raise its stock of LGBs to around 3000-5000.

[dinesha]

Test of Sub-Launched Missile K-15 on March 10.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/ ... xQ6JfmSwpo

Test of Sub-Launched Missile Soon

The DRDO is getting set to conduct a crucial trial of sub-marine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) B-05, earlier known as K-15, from an underwater platform off the Visakhapatnam coast soon. The test would pave the way for its first ever test from a nuclear powered submarine later this year.

A reliable source at the Chandipur test range told this paper that the nuke-capable missile is likely to be test-fired from a pontoon (replica of a submarine) nearly 20 metre under sea off the Vizag coast on March 10.

Though earlier it was scheduled to be test-fired from the indigenously built nuclear powered submarine INS Arihant, the latter is yet to be readied for live trials. Sea trials of the submarine have not been started yet even though it went critical on August 10 last year.

This submarine is a part of the country’s Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme. India is the fifth country to have this technology after the US, Russia, France and China. It has to complete at least two to three trials before the deployment. Four more submarines of this class have been planned.

B-05 is the world’s best weapon in this class. Flying at hypersonic speed, the missile cannot be spotted until it is virtually upon the target. It engages in a series of terminal manoeuvres designed to defeat enemy missiles.

SLBM is a part of India’s ‘nuclear triad’ (air, ground and submarine-launched weapons) and invulnerable second-strike weapon as projected in the nuclear doctrine. The missile can be compared with the Tomahawk missile of the US.

DRDO scientists in presence of the Navy officials will conduct the test from a submerged pontoon as the Arihant submarine has not been fully ‘operational’. Radars, telemetry systems and other tracking equipment have been dispatched to various locations to track the missile properly.

The indigenously developed B-05 missile having a strike range of around 750 km is 10 metres in length and one metre in diameter. Its launch weight is about 10 tonnes.

[tushar_m]

India Buys Israeli Tech To Stop Hostile Missiles

India is hiring several Israeli defense firms to work with DRDO (the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization) and several state-owned defense firms to design and build an integrated anti-missile defense system. India already has a tested and proven anti-missile ABM (Anti-Ballistic Missile) but wants something like the anti-missile system Israel has developed and deployed over the last two decades. This may involve buying the latest models of Israeli Green Pine radar, which is a key element of the Israeli anti-missile defenses.

In late 2013 India conducted a final round of development tests of its ABMs. This involved intercepting multiple incoming ballistic missiles and was declared a success. As a result of this, and several other successful earlier tests, Indian missile development officials declared that their anti-missile missiles were ready for mass production and deployment. This would provide some Indian cities protection from Pakistani or Chinese ballistic missiles. But the Indians realized that just having a reliable interceptor missile was not enough. You needed an integrated communications and radar warning system. The Israelis and the Americans are the only ones with years of experience with such anti-missile systems and India was already a steady customer for Israeli weapons and electronics systems.

The Indian anti-missile missiles come in two sizes. The Prithvi Air Defense (PAD) missile is the larger of the two and is used for high altitude (50-80 kilometers up) interception. The short range Advanced Air Defense (AAD) missile is used for low altitude (up to 30 kilometers) intercepts. The two missiles, in conjunction with a radar system based on the Israeli Green Pine (used with the Arrow anti-missile missile), provide defense from ballistic missiles fired as far as 5,000 kilometers away. A third interceptor, the PDV, is a hypersonic missile that can take down missiles as high as 150 kilometers and is still in development. India is the fifth nation to develop such anti-missile technology.

The Indian system has been in development for over a decade. Back in 2003 India ordered two Israeli Green Pine anti-ballistic missile radars. That equipment was used in 2007 in one of the first successful Indian tests, where one ballistic missile was fired at another “incoming” one. The Israeli Green Pine radar was originally developed for Israel’s Arrow anti-ballistic missile system. Arrow was built, in cooperation with the United States, to defend Israel from Iranian and Syrian ballistic missiles. India has since developed, with Israeli help, the Swordfish radar, which has similar capabilities to the Green Pine and has been operational since 2011. Swordfish is part of a system that integrates data from satellites and other sources in order to detect and track incoming missiles.

The interceptor missiles and the fire control systems were designed and built in India, although more Israeli technology may have been purchased to speed things along. India wanted to buy the entire Israeli Arrow system but the United States refused to allow the sale (which involved a lot of American technology). The new deal with Israel is apparently supposed to get around those restrictions.

The Indian ABM system wasn’t supposed to become operational until 2015. But the developers believed it was ready in 2014 and asked parliament for money to start building systems to defend places like New Delhi (where parliament is). At that point there was a debate over the state of the Indian technology and some Indian officials doubted that the ABM system would be operational, even if just around New Delhi using just Indian technology. Questions were asked about just how effective the Indian ABM system really was. India has a shabby reputation with developing weapons. Projects go on for decades, often passing tests but without ever producing operational weapons. Joint-ventures with other countries (like Russia, France, and Israel) have been more successful. Israel was apparently more heavily involved with the Indian ABM than official pronouncements indicated. So it made sense to go public with heavier Israeli participation to get the Indian ABMs operational. If nothing else that would scare, or at least annoy, the Chinese more.
If the new system works China and Pakistan could only defeat it by firing more missiles simultaneously than the Indians could handle. It’s also possible to equip warheads with decoys in an attempt to get the interceptor missile to miss. Israel has technology designed to deal with these decoys and India was attracted to that. But against an overwhelming number of incoming missiles, some are going to get through. Yet if you have a defensive system and the other guy does not, you have a big advantage no matter what.
Source: Strategy Page

http://newz.defenceradar.com/india-buys ... -missiles/

[Karan M]

unfortunately that is a crappy strategy page interpretation of the defense news article.

[mody]

Anyone know of any recent news about the Shourya missile. With the K-15/BO-5 missile being described as being ready for production, are there any news about the shourya missile as well?

The shourya at 6.2 ton weight, 10 mtr height and 0.74 mm dia, should be cheaper then 12 ton weight, 15 mtr height and 1 mtr dia of Agni-1 missile. Also with the non-ballistic trajectory, should be much more difficult to intercept.

Besides being canisterized and highely road mobile, its a much better and more advanced system as compared to Agni-1. The last known test of Shourya was in 2011 and there has been no news about the missile since. Is it just an experimental missile or was the land based test of shourya, just a part of K-15 missile testing?
It seems odd that when we have a seemingly better system almost ready, we are still persisting with Agni-1 missile.

[kvraghavaiah]

Where is Akash MK2? Supposed to be tested by 2012.
Where is Nirbhay? Supposed to be tested for the second time by now.
Where is Astra? Planned for deployment from 2010.
Where is K-4 (heavier SLBM) ? supposed to be in developmental trials or deployment ready by now.
where is LCA Mk2? First prototype supposed to be under construction now, but detailed design just started.

Does any body have any idea, why there are such inhuman delays?

[sarabpal.s]

Noting to expect. As of much boom test approved from mms.
Now they are busy wounding up his own ass
situation is hopeless till new government come

[ramana]

Its March 12th and no sight of any test/vest. Must be all that MH-370 search activity in the splash down area,

[member_28108]

I think all tests will be on hold till the New Govt comes in. They will have to show something exiting for the New Govt.Also major policy upgrades amy come up and they will ahve to pitch for budgets etc(Both ISRO and DRDO)
Prasanna

[SSridhar]

Airborne BrahMos Test in December: Pillai - The Hindu

The supersonic BrahMos missiles will be fitted on to Sukhoi-30 fighter jets to undergo the first flight trial in December this year, according to A. Sivathanu Pillai, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BrahMos Aerospace and Chief Controller (R&D), Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Talking to press persons here on Thursday, he said launching BrahMos from air was a great challenge. Now, the supersonic missile was ready for launch from air. “We are ready to do the integrated test with BrahMos missiles in Sukhoi aircraft. The missile had already been inducted in the Army and the Navy,” he said, adding, “We are leaders in the world in supersonic cruise missiles.”

He said BrahMos Aerospace had also been researching on reusable hypersonic cruise missile with high precision and more speed. Seven countries, including the US, China and Russia, had been researching on hypersonic missiles.

But they did not have supersonic missiles and had only subsonic missiles. Suitable technology would be developed in four or five years to invent hypersonic missile. The new missile would be like Sudharsana Chakra of Lord Vishnu, he said.

“We have been working on developing miniature BrahMos cruise missiles that could be fitted in all air force planes. This was one of our immediate projects,” he added.

To boost research activities at colleges, the Aerospace had tie-ups with 250 universities in the country. It also set up five centres of excellence in certain universities to promote research activities. It had a tie-up with Calcutta University to carry out research in millimetre-wave technology.

A Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences was set up at Bharathidasan University, Tiruchi.

Already, Rs.20 crore had been sanctioned. Now, Rs.20 crore would be given to them this year. Only universities and colleges could intensify research.

Students should be motivated to pursue research, Dr.Pillai added.

[nash]

thats what we heard in the beginning of every year, hopefully we got this time.

It seems like Hypersonic brahmose will be reusable missile of to-fro range 300+, means total range 600km.

mini-Brahmos will fill lot of strategic role.

[Austin]

FWIW , The RuN Chief mentioned yesterday the range of Onyx as 500 km .....this should give an idea on what Brahmos can also achieve in range.

[SSridhar]

Tiruchi-Malaysia AI flight cancelled - The Hindu

Why is that here ? Because of this. . .

Flight IX — 681 was cancelled because of launch of an experimental launch vehicle over the Bay of Bengal between noon and 4 p.m., airline sources here [Tiruchi] said.

What was that & what happened ?

[srin]

Looking at the NOTAM list, there wasn't one for Monday. However, there was one scheduled for March 8.

http://www.aai.aero/misc/Chennai_A_2014_03.pdf

MAR 08 10 12 14 0630-1030
EXPERIMENTAL FLT VEHICLE LAUNCH WILL TAKE PLACE WITH
THE FLW
DETAILS.
THE COORD OF THE DANGER ZONES POLYGON ARE AS FLW.
PT A : 174009.84N0833548.48E
PT B : 150041.40N0825554.12E
PT C : 104247.52S0892930.84E
PT D : 094050.16S0931520.16E
PT E : 080944.64S0965003.84E
PT F : 160348.24N0855659.28E
PT G : 174143.08N0834016.68E
PT A : 174009.84N0833548.48E
NO OVERFLYING ACT IS PERMISSIBLE WI THE ABOVE
MENTIONED AREA.
DURING THE HOURS OF LAUNCH THE FLW ATS ROUTES ARE
REROUTED /NOT AVBL.
1. A465 NOT AVBL BTN XOPOX AND ISMON
ALTN ROUTE: XOPOX-DCT-MABDU-DCT-ISMON (BIDIRECTIONAL)
2. N877 NOT AVBL BTN SADAP AND RIBRO
ALTN ROUTE: SADAP-DCT-BIDEX-L510-DOGEM-NIKIR-DCT-RIBRO
(BIDIRECTIONAL)
3. L301 NOT AVBL BTN DOGEM AND MEPOK
ALTN ROUTE DOGEM-L510-NIKIR-DCT-MEPOK (BIDIRECTIONAL)
4. W47/A465 NOT AVBL BTN BITEM AND ISMON
ALTN ROUTE: BITEM -DCT-MABDU--DCT-ISMON
(BIDIRECTINAL)

5. HLDG OVER VVZ VOR NOT PERMITTED
6. L518, N563,P762 L896, N564, V009 AND V30 NOT AVBL
7. W90 NOT AVBL IN KOLKATA FIR
8. Q10 AND Q11 NOT AVBL IN CHENNAI AND KOLKATA FIR
9. N571 NOT AVBL BTN IGOGU AND GURAS
10. P761 NOT AVBL BTN MMV VOR AND PPB VOR
11. B466 NOT AVBL BTN ANOKO AND MMV VOR
12. L645 NOT AVBL BTN SAMAK AND SULTO
13. P574 NOT AVBL BTN NOPEK AND MMV VOR
LOWER LIMIT: GND UPPER LIMIT: UNL

[member_28482]

India, Russia to sign deal for anti-tank ammunition

Its clearly shows the biased MOD for russian lobby. (Chance to make money)

While with a little more RnD we can rectify our own

http://vatsrohit.blogspot.com/2013/11/i ... io-ke.html

[Kersi D]

India, Russia to sign deal for anti-tank ammunition

Its clearly shows the biased MOD for russian lobby. (Chance to make money)

While with a little more RnD we can rectify our own

http://vatsrohit.blogspot.com/2013/11/i ... io-ke.html

And Rodina will also supply the screw drivers to fit the ammunition, along with some hammers and pliers. Compete Transfer of Technology.

All this is required desperately. Elections are too close !!!!

[vic]

OFB idiots will turn the screw counter clockwise instead of clockwise and then we will pay USD one billion dollar again for new set of screw drivers and components.

[Yogi_G]

News report of submarine launched missile of 2000km (as mentioned in business standard) range test which was successful. Isnt this the scheduled K-15 test which has a "range" of 750 km officially?

[Indranil]

^^^
India test fires long range N-missile launched from under sea

In a significant step towards completing the nuclear triad available with a few nations, India has successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile launched from an underwater platform with a range of over 2,000 kms.

The missile, which can be launched from submarines, was test-fired yesterday in the Bay of Bengal and all parameters were met, Defence Ministry sources said.

This is the longest range missile in the underwater category to have been developed by India.

With this development, India has developed the capability of launching long-range nuclear-capable missile from surface, air and underwater.

Defence Minister AK Antony has congratulated the team of scientists involved in the tests.

Launch from a submarine and integration of the three types of capabilities will mean completion of the nuclear triad, which is available only with a few countries like the US, France, Russia and China.

The submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) is being readied for deployment on various platforms including the around 6,000-tonne indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant which will soon be ready for sea trials, sources said.

The missile is part of the family of underwater missiles being developed by DRDO for the Indian strategic forces' underwater platforms.

The DRDO has already developed the BO5 missile, which can strike targets at a range of around 700 km.

India has a no-first-use policy for nuclear weapons and the development of an SLBM boosts its retaliatory strike capability, experts said.

[sum]

A-III SL?

[ramana]

Hat tip to Arun_S for the range of the K-4.