Ex-Navy Chief: India Needs K-Series Subs with MIRVs for Full Deterrent Capability

Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd.), India's former Chief of Naval Staff, has made a strong call for accelerated development of the K-series submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).

In a recent op-ed for the Hindustan Times, Admiral Prakash highlighted the importance of these missiles, designed to carry Multiple Independently Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs), for solidifying India's nuclear deterrent capabilities.

Prakash asserts that maintaining a robust underwater leg of India's nuclear triad is increasingly crucial. The triad, comprised of land-based ballistic missiles, airborne nuclear bombs, and sea-launched ballistic missiles, provides strategic deterrence. SLBMs, with their unparalleled mobility and stealth, become a vital component of this deterrent posture.

India's new generation of K-series missiles represents a significant advancement in the country's submarine-based nuclear capabilities. These missiles are designed with extended range and the capacity to carry MIRVs.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has already built K-15 (1500km) and K-4 (3500km) range SLBMs for deployment on India's Arihant-class submarines.

Recent reports suggest DRDO is also working on the K-5 (5000km), potentially the first MIRV-equipped SLBM. Additionally, the DRDO has been given clearance to develop the K-6 (6000km), intended for the forthcoming S5-class nuclear submarines. These S5 submarines, termed "True SSBNs," are significantly larger with a submerged displacement of 13,000 tons.

Admiral Prakash's call for a faster development timeline underscores the strategic value India places on bolstering its underwater nuclear deterrent as a vital component of its overall security posture.

 

[Pink Panther]

These are very important for second strike.

 

[Abhijeet Dey]

UGM-113 Trident II SLBM has a range of 7600 km and can carry 1 to 14 MIRV Warheads. Range at reduced load is 12000 km. India should develop this type of SLBM.

 

[The Presence]

UGM-113 Trident II SLBM has a range of 7600 km and can carry 1 to 14 MIRV Warheads. Range at reduced load is 12000 km. India should develop this type of SLBM.

Yep, 8000 Km should be the target for K6.

 

[Vijay Anand]

This would obviously be a part of plan, it just a question about when it would be tested and inducted and all we can hope it gets inducted faster

 

[SK]

I hope that Indian-Govt will consider to develop ICBMs & SLMBs with a range of 10,000Km or more.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

UGM-113 Trident II SLBM has a range of 7600 km and can carry 1 to 14 MIRV Warheads. Range at reduced load is 12000 km. India should develop this type of SLBM.

Well, it is a good aim to have. But we also need to look at where the need is. Our main adversary is china, pakistan is done for. We dont need to worry about america or russia. China does not have a capable ballistic missile defence system like america. So right now our missiles are enough. China cant shoot down an ICBM, or Intermediate range BM, let alone a MIRV or 14 warhead MIRV. It is like using a 155mm artillery shell to kill a chicken. Why make so much effort when it is not needed. Spending that effort on drones, submarines and fighter jets is more pressing.

MIRV missiles are last resort. They will only be used in doomsday scenario. their main purpose is to serve as a deterrant. We already have a pretty good deterrant in agni-5 and K4

 

[kumar]

While K6 is good, we need next k-series with atleast 8000kms range, so that ch!nese can easily be targeted.

 

[ANUP]

Well, it is a good aim to have. But we also need to look at where the need is. Our main adversary is china, pakistan is done for. We dont need to worry about america or russia. China does not have a capable ballistic missile defence system like america. So right now our missiles are enough. China cant shoot down an ICBM, or Intermediate range BM, let alone a MIRV or 14 warhead MIRV. It is like using a 155mm artillery shell to kill a chicken. Why make so much effort when it is not needed. Spending that effort on drones, submarines and fighter jets is more pressing.

MIRV missiles are last resort. They will only be used in doomsday scenario. their main purpose is to serve as a deterrant. We already have a pretty good deterrant in agni-5 and K4

If u work for tomorrow then future circumstances won't affect our preparation, what do u think who is funding pakistan? Ur answer might be china , but in reality yes china is but since beginning it's Americans who are giving them support,shelter ,dollars ,nukes and till now pakistan is running on behalf of Americans support, without America support Tom pakistan get bankrupt ,but America doesn't want it and want to keep pakistan for India to give us tough time , whole world sanction on Iran russia but for pakistan imf loans , climate change funds , military economically cooperation, fatf whitelisted I mean why ,even pakistan was killing Americans soldiers but still thy want to keep pakistan alive even without Americans approval pakistan was not able to make nukes it was Americans who also helps them to make nukes , so still u think our missiles is sufficient for china only , in 2015 incideny I remember when Americans warship almost came close to lakshdweep island without our approval or permission,what was tht? Tht was the indication of future ,what America is going to do with us in Indian Ocean ,so always ready for future who knows who will be against us and who will be enemy ,in geopolitics dynamics change instantly