Tests of K-15 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile in March

DRDO to Conduct Twin Tests of K-15 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile in March

Posted on: February 29, 2012

The state-run Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has revealed that it will be carrying out twin tests of the K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on the east coast of India in the first half of March. The preparations for launching the indigenous K-15 SLBM with a 700 km strike range are underway near Vishakapatnam coast. DRDO officials indicated that the first test is scheduled for March 4 and the second test will be conducted roughly a week later.  

Currently, DRDO is going full throttle with its preparation and various scientists and technicians are at work to make the twin tests a success. DRDO sources said that the missile assembling team and other technical staff is also looking at the Electro Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and communication and range safety from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), the proposed test site in the east coast. 

DRDO has stated that the indigenously built nuclear capable missile will be launched from a Pontoon (submarine replica) which is being readied underwater. Apparently, DRDO will be using the Pontoon as the launching platform since India does not have an operational submarine to test-fire such missiles. While India has INS Arihant, the submarine is yet to be equipped with the K-15 missile. 

The K-15 missile is designed to be exclusively launched from a submarine and it’s an advanced naval version of the Prithvi missile. The Indian Navy has also expressed its need for the K-15’s cruise variant due to its versatility and advanced features. The cruise variant of the K-15 missile will make it hard to be detected by an anti-missile defence system.

DRDO had made attempts to conduct the K-15 test last year but due to technical shortcomings in the missile system, the tests were postponed. As of now, the technical snags have been fixed and the missile will be successfully test-fired in full deployment mode.

The K-15 is considered the best weapon in its class and is developed by DRDO which has two versions, including SLBM and SLCM (submarine-launched cruise missile). DRDO officials stated that the cruise missile is a loose trajectory missile which is guided by an onboard computer, the ballistic version has a high-trajectory and it crosses the atmosphere to re-enter from above the targeted site. The SLBM will form India’s nuclear triad and a solid second-strike weapon.

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