New Delhi: The second successful test of India’s K4 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) has created a flutter among the Pakistan establishment-linked strategic security community, with a former army brigadier dubbing the launch as “a red flag for global stability”.
Zahir Kazmi, Arms Control Adviser at the Strategic Plans Division of Pakistan’s National Command Authority–in charge of Islamabad’s nuclear weapons programme–has criticised the test alleging that it is not just a boost to India’s sea-based triad, but also risks arms race in the Indian Ocean Region.
“India’s nuclear enterprise far exceeds regional needs: ~150 warheads, fissile stocks for 138-213 more, Agni-V ICBM (7,000+km), upcoming Agni-VI. This buildup risks an arms race [in the] IOR [Indian Ocean Region],” the retired brigadier, who had also previously served as the Director General of Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs at the Strategic Plans Division, posted Friday on ‘X’
“Threading into maritime domain: India plans 6 SSBNs & 6 SSNs by 2030s, with S4-class (7,000-tonne) vessels like Aridhaman nearing ops. Tech mosaic — Russian reactors (83MW PWR from OKBM Afrikantov), Akula-derived quieting, Thales sonar influences, Western COTS guidance. This creates quasi-continuous at-sea deterrent, compressing sanctuaries for China & beyond.”
The reactors for India’s nuclear submarines were developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai. The 83 MW pressurised water reactor helps power the INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, both of which roughly weigh 6,000 tonnes.
Kazmi further highlighted that India’s doctrine as perceived in the security circles in Islamabad has shifted since Operation Sindoor, from land-air operations to sea-led operations including the deployment of Carrier Strike Groups along with INS Vikramaditya in the Arabian Sea and BrahMos-equipped ships, “undermining” deterrence capabilities.
India’s latest K-4 SLBM test from INS Arighaat (3,500km range) isn’t just a boost to its sea-based triad — it’s a red flag for global stability. As I detail in my @CISS_Islamabad Insight paper, India’s nuclear enterprise far exceeds regional needs: ~150 warheads, fissile stocks… pic.twitter.com/hA3bmkUg3Q
— Zahir Kazmi (@zahirhkazmi) December 26, 2025
Pakistan has been focusing on developing various delivery systems for its own nuclear missiles in recent years. It first test fired Babur-3, a Submarine Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM), in 2017 and later in 2018.
With a range of around 450 km, the Babur-3 is designed to be launched horizontally through submarine torpedo tubes rather than a canisterised vertical launch mechanism. The tests for Babur-3 were conducted from a submerged platform and designed for Pakistan’s current submarine fleet, which consists mainly of the French designed Agosta-class submarines operated by its navy.
On Tuesday, India test-fired K4 missile from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat off the coast of Vishakhapatnam. The defence ministry has not released any official statement regarding the test.
First tested in November 2024, K4 has a range of roughly 3,500 km. It offers India a longer range than the K15 missile that had a range of roughly 750 km. The K4 gives India the potential to cover all of Pakistan and also a large part of China in terms of range.
As for India’s nuclear strike capabilities, it offers greater range, especially as a part of second strike capabilities from sea, as a part of the country’s doctrine. India is one of the few countries to be able to launch nuclear missiles from land, air and undersea.On December 23, 2025, India successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal.
While New Delhi views the test as a major milestone for its "No First Use" policy and sea-based second-strike capability, the development has triggered a sharp diplomatic and security reaction from Pakistan.
🚨 The "Red Flag" from Islamabad
Strategic circles in Pakistan, led by the Islamabad Policy Institute (IPI), have labeled the test a "red flag for regional and global stability." Their concerns center on several key points:
Erosion of Nuclear Balance: Pakistan argues that a survivable sea-based nuclear leg complicates the "fragile nuclear balance" in South Asia, leaving less time for decision-making during a crisis.
Asymmetry & Western Backing: Islamabad has expressed frustration over what it perceives as "asymmetrical constraints," where India receives advanced technology transfers from the West while Pakistan faces technology denial regimes.
Lack of Communication: Security experts in Pakistan claim that without robust bilateral risk-reduction mechanisms, such undersea developments increase the risk of miscalculation and unintended escalation.
🚀 Technical Might: What is the K-4 Missile?
The K-4 (named after APJ Abdul Kalam) is an intermediate-range SLBM designed to give India a credible deterrent that can reach major strategic targets from safe, deep-ocean patrol zones.
| Feature | Details |
| Range | Approximately 3,500 km |
| Launch Platform | Arihant-class SSBNs (INS Arighaat, INS Arihant) |
| Payload | Can carry a nuclear warhead up to 2.5 tons |
| Technology | Cold-launch (ejected via gas pressure before motor ignites) |
| Guidance | Inertial navigation with NavIC (Indian GPS) support |
🌍 Global Context: A Crowded Indian Ocean
The test occurred amidst a backdrop of heightened regional activity. Throughout December 2025, several Chinese research vessels were spotted in the Indian Ocean, reportedly equipped with sensors capable of tracking missile trajectories.
The successful trial effectively completes India's Nuclear Triad—the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea—placing it in an elite group of nations alongside the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK with operational SSBN fleets.
📉 Impact on India-Pakistan Relations
Tensions were already high following a series of diplomatic clashes earlier in 2025 (including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in April). Pakistan’s recent "Exercise INDUS" and subsequent missile tests have been characterized by India as "provocative," while Pakistan views the K-4 as a move away from India's stated "Credible Minimum Deterrence."
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