SOURCE: AFI
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its defense capabilities, Bangladesh has reportedly approached Pakistan to procure Short Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM), according to an Indian intelligence report. The request specifically targets the Abdali SRBM, which has a range of less than 400 kilometers, ostensibly to serve as a deterrent against India.
The Abdali SRBM, known within Pakistan’s military as Hatf-II, is a tactical ballistic missile designed for battlefield use. Its range, while limited, is sufficient to reach several significant cities in India’s northeastern states, making it a potential asset for Bangladesh in regional security dynamics. This missile system, developed by the Space Research Commission (SUPARCO) of Pakistan, has been in service with the Pakistan Army, providing a quick reaction capability in tactical scenarios.
The acquisition of such missiles by Bangladesh could significantly alter the strategic balance in South Asia, especially in the context of India-Bangladesh relations. While the range of the Abdali SRBM is considered modest, its deployment could serve as a psychological deterrent rather than an offensive weapon, signaling Bangladesh’s intent to strengthen its defensive posture. This move might be seen as a response to India’s ongoing military advancements, including its ballistic missile defense systems and the expansion of its military infrastructure near the Bangladesh border.
According to the intelligence report, Pakistan might be inclined to agree to this request. The rationale could be twofold: firstly, to expand its influence in the region by supporting a neighbor against a mutual rival, and secondly, because selling these SRBMs does not significantly alter the strategic balance against Pakistan itself, given the missile’s limited range. However, this would also mean navigating the complex web of international arms control regimes, including the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), to which neither Pakistan nor Bangladesh is a member but is influenced by its guidelines.
The introduction of ballistic missiles into Bangladesh’s arsenal could lead to an arms race in the region, with India potentially responding by further enhancing its missile defence or deploying more offensive capabilities. The international community, particularly countries wary of missile proliferation, might react with sanctions or diplomatic pressure, affecting both Bangladesh and Pakistan’s international standing.