K Missile family
| 'K' Missile family | |
|---|---|
Underwater launch of a K Series Missile | |
| Type | SLBM |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| In service | Aug 2018 (K-15) K-4 being inducted (as of 2020). |
| Used by | Indian Navy |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
| Manufacturer | Bharat Dynamics Limited |
| Produced | K-15 and K-4 in production |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 6-7 tonnes (K-15) 17 tonnes (K-4) |
| Length | 10 m (K-15, K-4) 12 m (K-6) |
| Width | 0.74 m (K-15) 1.3 m (K-4) |
| Maximum firing range | 4,000 km (K-4 SLBM) |
| Warhead | K-15:1 tonne, K-4:1-2.5 tonnes, K-5:2.5 tonne |
Operational range | 3,500 km |
| Maximum depth | over 50 m (tested) |
| Maximum speed | Mach 7.5 (Shaurya, which is land-based version of sagarika K-15 missile) |
Launch platform | Arihant-class submarine, S5-class submarine |
The K family of missiles (K for 'Kalam'), is a family of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) developed by India to boost its second strike abilities and thus augment its nuclear deterrence. Information about this family of missiles has mostly been kept classified. It is reported that 'K missiles' are faster, lighter and stealthier than their Agni missile counterparts. High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) developed a new formulation of composite propellant that is more efficient and provide greater thrust compare to Agni missile series. The objective behind the development is to make K missile family faster and lighter without compromising on operational range.