India to Test Submarine-Based Ballistic Missile

India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) prepares for two tests of K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM). According to The New Indian Express, the launches will be held on March 4 and in March 16-19 from submarine platform off Andhra Pradesh state.

According to a source in Indian defense ministry, K-15 will be launched from underwater platform, since Indian Navy does not operate appropriate submarines for that purpose. If the trials are successful, the ballistic missile can be then tested by a sub.

SLBM K-15 has flight range of 700 km and is a maritime version of ICBM Prithvi. The K-15 missile is produced as ballistic and cruise variants, The New Indian Express reports. Performance characteristics of K-15 are comparable to those of American missile Tomahawk.

Late in Apr 2012, India also plans to test ICBM Agni-V with flight range up to 5,000 km.

- Rusnavy