After three successful trials of beyond visual range air-to-air ‘Astra’ missile, the DRDO is likely to conduct the much-awaited crucial test of its submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM), code-named K-15, from an underwater platform off the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday.
The test, which was earlier scheduled in November, was postponed due to inclement weather. Though the DRDO was planning two tests of the missile - one from a pontoon (replica of a submarine) and another from a live submarine, a defence official said they would go for the pontoon test this time and a submarine test early next year.
“Preparation for the test has been completed. If everything goes as per planned, the missile will be test-fired as per the schedule. It will be launched in full operational configuration subject to favourable weather,” he said.
The test seems crucial and significant for India’s strategic point of view as despite a series of attempts the missile could not be tested last year due to technical glitches in the missile system, though a trial in March this year was claimed as successful.
The DRDO is eyeing for its success as few countries have the triad of firing nuclear-tipped missiles from air, land and undersea. Only Russia, the US, France, the UK and China have that.
The K-15 missile is about 10 metres in length and about a metre in diameter. After its induction, the missile will equip the country’s first nuclear-powered submarine ANS Arihant.
The K-15 missile is, in fact, an advanced clone of Prithvi’s naval version and designed to be exclusively launched from a submarine. The missile can be compared to the US’ Tomahawk.