K-5 (ballistic missile)

K-5 is a submarine-launched ballistic missile under development by Defence Research and Development Organisation of India. The missile has a planned range of around 5,000-6,000 kilometres.

Description
The K-5 is a submarine-launched ballistic missile. The missile consists of three separate stages and uses solid rocket propellant. It is planned to have a range of around 5000-6000 km. The missile will be able to carry a payload weighing two tonnes. It is being developed to match the range of the Agni-V missile. It will be equipped on the Arihant-class submarines code named S4.

The K-5 will be equipped with countermeasures to avoid radar detection and will be the fastest missile in its class. It will also be equipped with MIRV.

Development
The K-5 is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The development of the missile started in 2015. After completing the development of the K-4 (missile) in January 2020, the DRDO shifted its focus towards developing the K-5.

As of December 2018, preparations for the maiden test of the missile were underway. In October 2020, Hindustan Times reported that the missile is currently under development and was expected to be tested by 2022.