K-6 Missile:
In a major boost to its strategic deterrence and naval capabilities, India is developing the K-6 hypersonic submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
- K-6 Missile is a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
- It is under development at DRDO’s Advanced Naval Systems Laboratory in Hyderabad.
- It is designed specifically for the advanced S-5 class SSBNs (nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines) of the Indian Navy.
- Larger than the Arihant, the S-5 will be 12 metres long, 2 metres wide, and capable of carrying two to three tonnes of warheads.
- It is a hypersonic SLBM capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 7.5—or approximately 9,261 kilometres per hour.
- This staggering speed dramatically reduces enemy reaction time and makes interception by conventional missile defence systems virtually impossible.
- The K-6 missile boasts an impressive range of 8,000 kilometers. India has previously tested the K-3 (1,000 to 2,000 km range), K-4 (3,500 km range), and K-5 (5,000 to 6,000 km range) SLBMs, with the K-4 and K-5 already inducted into the Navy.
