Pakistan Navy test its missile capabilities with new launch
The Pakistan Navy
has successfully conducted a test launch of its indigenous SMASH ballistic missile from a warship. The
test, which took place on November 4,
2024, showcased the missile's advanced capabilities to engage
both land and sea targets with high precision. The
SMASH missile, with a range of 350
kilometers, is equipped with cutting-edge navigation and
maneuverability features that enable it to adjust its trajectory and speed
mid-flight.
The test was closely observed by Pakistan's
Chief of Naval Staff, senior naval officers, and the scientists
and engineers who developed the missile system. A video released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)
showed the missile being launched from a frigate
and successfully hitting its designated target.
The SMASH missile—also
known as P-282—marks a
significant leap in the Pakistan
Navy's offensive and defensive capabilities, enhancing its Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD)
capabilities. With a range of 350 kilometers, the missile serves as a
formidable deterrent against potential threats in the Indian Ocean region. Its advanced
guidance system and ability to adjust mid-flight make it difficult to
intercept, offering Pakistan a high degree of flexibility in modern combat
scenarios.
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The SMASH missile shares similarities with the Chinese CM-401, a supersonic Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM)
known for its near-space trajectory, high maneuverability, and terminal dive
capability. The CM-401 is designed to target large and medium-sized ships,
fleets, and harbor installations, making it an effective weapon against naval
targets. These design features allow the SMASH missile to penetrate advanced
naval defenses that are typically optimized to intercept slower, less agile
missiles.
The SMASH missile's development also appears to be closely aligned with
Pakistan's ongoing efforts to modernize its missile systems. It shares notable
design features with the Fatah-II
short-range ballistic missile, which was introduced in May 2024, suggesting a common design
philosophy and potentially interchangeable components within Pakistan's growing
missile arsenal.
The successful launch reflects the growing military cooperation between Pakistan and China, with
the latter playing a key role in helping Pakistan develop these advanced
missile technologies. Chinese military exports to Pakistan have significantly
bolstered Pakistan's defense capabilities, allowing for faster deployment of
high-performance weapon systems that would otherwise require longer domestic
development.
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The missile was launched from an inclined platform aboard what is likely a Zulfiquar-class frigate, based on
the Chinese Type 053H3
design. These frigates were originally equipped with inclined launchers for the
Chinese C-802 anti-ship missile,
and the SMASH missile appears to have been integrated into the existing launch
platform. While details on specific modifications to the ship’s control systems
remain limited, the successful integration of the SMASH missile into Pakistan's
naval infrastructure highlights the country's ability to rapidly adapt its
fleet to advanced weaponry.
The successful missile test has been met with congratulations from Pakistan's President, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee,
and the heads of the armed forces, all of whom emphasized the strategic
importance of this development for national security. The SMASH missile’s
ability to target both maritime and land-based threats enhances Pakistan's
strategic position in the Indian Ocean,
a key region for maintaining regional security and balance.
Source: https://armyrecognition.com/