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Difficulty: MediumDefense and Nuclear Technology

Which of the following statements regarding India's Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) systems and sea-based nuclear deterrence capabilities are correct?

  1. The K-15 (Sagarika) is a solid-fueled submarine-launched ballistic missile indigenously developed for deployment on Arihant-class nuclear submarines.Answer
  2. The K-4 missile is an intermediate-range submarine-launched ballistic missile designed to hit strategic targets at distances of approximately 3,500 km.Answer
  3. C
    All K-series submarine-launched missiles rely primarily on hypergolic liquid fuels to provide underwater thrust during launch execution.
  4. India's operational sea-based strategic assets complete the third leg of its nuclear triad, providing a credible second-strike capability.Answer

Answer

The correct statements are that the K-15 Sagarika is a solid-fueled SLBM developed for Arihant-class submarines, the K-4 missile is an intermediate-range SLBM capable of reaching targets up to 3,500 km, and India's sea-based nuclear assets complete the third leg of its nuclear triad for second-strike deterrence.
The K-15 Sagarika (range ~750 km) and K-4 (range ~3,500 km) are indigenously developed solid-fueled submarine-launched ballistic missiles that arm India's SSBN fleet. Operating alongside land-based missiles and nuclear-capable aircraft, these platforms complete India's nuclear triad, giving the country a survivable second-strike capability consistent with its 'No First Use' nuclear doctrine.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the propulsion system and platform integration of the K-15 (Sagarika) missile.
Confirm that K-15 is a solid-fueled SLBM deployed on INS Arihant with an operational range of ~750 km.
Verifies technical specs and launching platform for India's first operational SLBM.
2
Evaluate the range characteristics and strategic role of the K-4 missile.
Confirm that K-4 is an intermediate-range SLBM with a range of approximately 3,500 km.
Validates the operational envelope of DRDO's longer-range underwater ballistic missile.
3
Examine the propellant technology used across K-series submarine-launched missiles.
Identify that K-series SLBMs use solid propellants for underwater safety and instant launch readiness, not liquid propellants.
Liquid propellants present severe volatility risks inside submerged missile canisters.
4
Assess the strategic context of sea-based nuclear assets within India's nuclear doctrine.
Confirm that SSBNs complete the nuclear triad (air, land, sea), guaranteeing a survivable second-strike capability.
Connects submarine missile capabilities with national defense policy.

Key Concept

Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM) and Nuclear Triad Deterrence
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Defense and Nuclear Technology

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