Pakistan is a country that, despite its poor financial situation spends heavily on weapons. After expanding its Air Force, the Pakistani military is now increasing its spending on the Navy as well.

Islamabad : Pakistan's military is continuously working to enhance its strength. In recent months, Pakistan has focused particularly on strengthening its navy. Last month, it achieved significant success in this direction. On November 25th, the Pakistan Navy announced the successful test of an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM), called the Supersonic Missile Anti-Ship (SMASH). This missile has a range of 350 km and can be launched from a Zulfiqar-class (F-22P) frigate. This indicates that Asim Munir Shahbaz Sharif wants to increase missile production rather than nuclear weapons. Experts say that Pakistan developed this strategy after Operation Sindoor.

According to Pakistani defense industry expert Bilal Khan, SMASH is part of the Pakistani Navy's changing missile strategy. This includes the Harbah NG subsonic anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), the Zarb subsonic ASCM, and the CM-302 supersonic cruising missile (SSCM). The Harbah NG is deployed from the Azmat-class fast attack craft (FAC). The CM-302 is deployed on the Tughril-class (Type 054A/P) frigates. The Zarb is the Pakistan Navy's land-based ASCM system.

Why is this test special?

This missile test by Pakistan signals several things. It indicates that Pakistan is seeking to significantly expand its ballistic missile arsenal. It also indicates that the Pakistan Navy is pursuing an anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) strategy. This strategy involves long-range missiles, submarines, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and unmanned surface vessels (USVs).

SMASH and Fatah-2 are missile programs of the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Army that share a platform. Both missiles share a similar fuselage and rear stabilizer. However, their ranges differ slightly. SMASH has a range of 300–350 km, while Fatah-2 has a range of 400 km. Despite the difference in range, the missiles' lethal capabilities are not significantly different.

Trying to build our own missile system

Pakistan's missile program is said to be purchased from China. This is true, but it is also true that Pakistan's NESCOM wants to develop indigenous missile systems. NESCOM also uses Chinese technology, but will receive assistance in the basic design. Pakistan's program includes ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions.

Bilal Khan says that it is important to understand how Pakistan is enhancing its naval capabilities. In particular, the test of the SMASH missile is a significant step in this direction. This missile is not only capable of long-range strikes, but also features advanced targeting technology, giving it the ability to target moving ships. This will certainly enhance Pakistan's naval capabilities.

PC:NBT