SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
In a recent development, the Pakistan Navy announced the successful test of its “indigenously developed Ship-Launched Ballistic Missile” (SLBM), named the SMASH SLBM or P282. The missile reportedly boasts a range of 350 km (217 miles) and is capable of precision strikes on both land and sea targets. Equipped with advanced navigation systems and maneuverability features, the SMASH SLBM also offers anti-access area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, potentially posing a threat to carrier groups and other strategic assets in the region.
However, Indian defense sources report that the Indian Navy has anticipated such developments and is actively bolstering its defenses with enhanced interception capabilities.
According to Pakistani analysts, the SMASH SLBM is primarily designed to counter large naval formations, specifically aiming at Indian aircraft carrier groups. With the capacity for precision targeting and advanced maneuverability, this missile enhances Pakistan’s naval deterrence, expanding its ability to deny access to its territorial waters.
Pakistan’s development of a ship-launched ballistic missile with advanced guidance capabilities suggests a significant leap in its indigenous missile technology. The integration of A2/AD technology means that the SMASH SLBM could provide Pakistan with a defensive buffer against potential incursions, deterring hostile vessels from operating freely in contested areas. However, a senior Indian Navy official reassured that India has factored in these advancements and is ready to meet the challenges posed by such missiles.
The Indian Navy has already deployed its current generation of Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MR-SAM) on its warships, which have proven effective against supersonic and highly maneuverable missiles. The MR-SAM, jointly developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries, offers a defensive range of 90-100 kilometers. This interceptor system provides essential defense against potential threats within medium-range engagement zones and is adaptable to counter high-speed, maneuvering projectiles.
To further strengthen its naval defence capabilities, the Indian Navy is developing a next-generation interceptor, the PGLRSAM. This new missile system is set to offer a significant improvement in defensive range, with the ability to intercept targets at distances exceeding 250 kilometres. The PGLRSAM will thus more than double the operational reach of current MR-SAM systems, creating a formidable shield around Indian naval assets.
In addition to its extensive range, the PGLRSAM is expected to achieve speeds of up to Mach 7, enabling it to intercept and neutralize a broader spectrum of high-speed threats, including supersonic and hypersonic missiles. With its enhanced capabilities, the PGLRSAM is anticipated to engage and neutralize threats such as the SMASH SLBM at a safe distance, safeguarding Indian assets and preventing any close-range vulnerabilities.
As both Pakistan and India continue to develop sophisticated naval technologies, it is evident that each nation is prioritizing strategic deterrence and advanced defense capabilities. The test of the SMASH SLBM by Pakistan and India’s development of the PGLRSAM underscore the region’s shifting dynamics in maritime security and defense readiness. By advancing its missile interception technology, India aims to maintain its maritime superiority and ensure its vessels can operate safely in potentially hostile environments.
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