Submarine Matters has kept abreast of Indian SSBN developments over the years. Most recently at Update on India's SSBN and SLBM Evolution of January 21, 2019, which in part reported:
"The K-5 and K-6 [SLBMs] are reportedly planned for follow-on SSBNs, displacing more than twice that of the Arihant class.
“The 13,500 ton SSBNs of the so-called S-5 class are to carry twelve of the 5000 km range K-5 – development of which started in 2015, with no tests done to date – or a similar number of the 6000 km range K-6” which is to have MIRVs. The longer-ranged K-5 could replace the K-4 on the Arihant class to enhance its effectiveness and flexibility.
“the Arihant class is a relatively modest vessel by the high standards set by the five larger nuclear powers which operate much more potent vessels.
“In fact, it might have been expected for India to develop an SSN – like the Akula class submarine currently leased as the INS Chakra. By opting for an SSBN, it is clear India allocated priority to the Arihant project with plans for six SSNs being left for the future.”"
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H I Sutton at Covert Shores, September 2, 2019 has published a most interesting article Indian Next Generation S-5 SSBN revealed which states in part:
Diagram of Provisional India's S-5 Next Generation SSBN. The distinctive hump seems to owe much to Russia's Delta class SSBNs. (Diagram courtesy S I Sutton at Covert Shores, September 2, 2019)
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H I Sutton at Covert Shores, September 2, 2019 has published a most interesting article Indian Next Generation S-5 SSBN revealed which states in part:
"Indian Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu tweetedphotos from his August 28 [2019] visit to the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) to celebrate its Golden Jubilee. NSTL is part of DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh.
A yellow hydrodynamic test model of a submarine, partially visible in one of the photos may provide new insights into India's next generation ballistic missile submarine program, the S-5 Class. The S-5 class is expected to enter service before 2030s and will likely carry the new K-6 SLBM (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile) which is also under development.
... The new design will be a larger boat with 12 or 16 launch tubes for the new K-6 intercontinental ballistic missile, which is expected to have a range in the order of 3,200 nautical miles, about twice that of the current K-4 missile....”
Read the FULL EXCELLENT REPORT by H I Suttom of Covert Shores including photos of the provisional S-5 yellow submarin model.