India is ready to conduct sea trials of its K-6 hypersonic missile. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), this missile is designed for deployment on India's upcoming S-5 class nuclear submarines. The speed and range of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile K-6 will surpass that of the BrahMos missile, enabling India to withstand threats from adversary nations like Pakistan and China more effectively.
Developed at DRDO's Advanced Naval Systems Laboratory in Hyderabad, the K-6 stands out as one of India's most advanced and lethal missiles. This hypersonic ballistic missile, designed to be launched from nuclear submarines, will elevate India into the list of the world's most capable nations. The S-5 class nuclear submarines that will launch the K-6 will be larger and more powerful than the current Arihant class submarines, designed to carry heavy warheads and missiles.
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K-6 to Achieve 9200 KM/H Speed
In upcoming sea tests, the K-6 missile is expected to reach hypersonic speeds. Hypersonic speed is defined as Mach 7.5, or 9,200 kilometers per hour, more than seven times the speed of sound. With an operational range of 8,000 kilometers, the missile can strike deep into enemy territory within minutes. Its hypersonic velocity allows it to evade most anti-missile defense systems, leaving adversaries with insufficient response time.
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K-6 to Be Equipped with MIRV Technology
The K-6 missile incorporates Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, allowing it to hit multiple targets with precision, enhancing its effectiveness in both offensive and defensive operations. It is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads, adaptable to various combat scenarios. The K-6 serves as an upgraded version of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) already in India's arsenal like the K-4 (3,500 km range) and the K-5 (6,000 km range).
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India to Join Elite Club of Select Nations
This missile boasts speed and destructive power greater than BrahMos. The K-6 will measure over 12 meters in length with a diameter exceeding 2 meters. Only a select few countries possess or are developing advanced hypersonic and MIRV-equipped systems like this. The United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom are among these nations, and with the successful sea test of the K-6 missile, India is poised to join their group.
