Brave Pakistan army

Pakistani Strategic Missile Group of Army Strategic Forces Command has successfully tested Hatf III Ghaznavi Short range ballistic missile (SRBM). The Hatf III Ghaznavi SRBM is designed to carry conventional and nuclear warhead to a distance of 290 kilometres.

Missile was test fired as part of Field Training Exercise of Strategic Missile Group of Army Strategic Forces Command and it was witnessed by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Rashad Mahmood, Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lt Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Commander Army Strategic Forces Command, Lt Gen Obaid Ullah Khan, Chairman NESCOM Muhammad Irfan Burney.

Pakistan army has successfuly test fired Hatf IV Shaheen-1A Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile. Shaheen-1A missile is an improved version of the basic Shaheen-1 missile which had range of 700 km. New ballistic missile have increased range and new reentry vehicle.

Pakistan today conducted a successful test fire of Short Range Surface to Surface Missile Hatf IX (NASR). The test fire was conducted with successive launches of two missiles from a state of the art multi tube launcher. NASR, with a range of 60 km, and inflight maneuver capability can carry nuclear warheads of appropriate yield, with high accuracy. 

This quick response system, which can fire a four Missile Salvo ensures deterrence against threats in view of evolving scenarios. Additionally NASR has been specially designed to defeat all known Anti Tactical Missile Defence Systems.

The supersonic CM-400 AKG long range anti ship and land attack missile was first displayed along with the at the JF-17 Thunder /FC-1 Xiaolong fighter jet at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, Zhuhai 2012 Air Show.

The CM-400 AKG missile ha been developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) as a light weight, high speed, long range, air launched missile capable of destroying ground and maritime targets with precision.

The CM-400AKG missile is a fire and forget weapon with range of 180 to 250 kilometers. It is available with different seeker options depending upon the mission profile. Chinese side seems to be offering an active radar seeker and an imaging infrared seeker capable of target-recognition (TR).

It is a single stage, solid rocket-powered high speed missile which can carry penetrator or blast / fragmentation warheads to destroy the fixed or slow moving ground and maritime targets. CM-400AKG can be  pre-programmed to destroy the ground targets with percision by uploading the digital imagery of the target or it can be retargeted using its active radar seeker.

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has become the first export customer for supersonic CM-400AKG missile. The Deputy Project Director of the JF-17 Thunder/FC-1 Xiaolong fighter jet program, Air Commodore Mahmood Khalid has said, "This is a mature weapon that has been fully tested. It is not conceptual. It is in service. It hits the target at Mach 4 or above and its kinetic impact alone is enough to destroy any high-value target, like an aircraft carrier. The CM-400AKG is a very high-speed missile that is very difficult to intercept."

The Multi-Tube Hatf IX Nasr has a range of 60km Surface-to-Surface Range and is reportedly capable of carrying nuclear warheads upto 50kg. The test was conducted in connection with Pakistan's 14th anniversary as nuclear power (May 28 atomic blasts), officials said. Earlier on April 25th, Pakistan had test-fired MRBM Shaheen I-A, the upgraded version of Shaheen-I followed by the test-launch of SRBM Ghaznavi-I on May 10th. 

 An official statement says, Nasr can ‘carry nuclear warheads of appropriate yield, with high accuracy and possesses shoot and scoot attributes. This quick response system addresses the need to deter evolving threats, specially at shorter ranges’. Reportedly, the next test-exercise of MRBMs would start in July this year. Official sources say, Nasr’s ‘impact time’ (the amount of time it takes to hit the target after setting off from launching pad) is 1.5 to three minutes, which according to officials, is the shortest impact time of any Pakistani SRBM. 

The Monday test, reportedly carried out in Somiani near Karachi, was witnessed by Director General NDC Anwaar Muzaffar, DG SPD Lieutenant General (Retd) Khalid Kidwai, DG Army Strategic Force Command (ASFC) Lieutenant General Tariq Nadeem Gilani and Chairman National Scientific and Engineering Commission (NESCOM) Irfan Burni. A statement quoted Kidwai as terming the Nasr missile as a ‘weapon of peace’, stating that the test was a major development which would consolidate Pakistan's deterrence capability at ‘all levels of the threat spectrum, thereby ensuring peace in the region’.

Pakistan on Thursday, May 10, 2012 conducted a successful training launch of Short Range Ballistic Missile Hatf III (Ghaznavi), which can carry nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 290 kilometers. The launch was conducted at the conclusion of the annual field training exercise of Army Strategic Force Command.

 The exercise was aimed at testing the operational readiness of a Strategic Missile Group. The field exercise of the ASFC was witnessed by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Director General Strategic Plans Division Lieutenant General Khalid Ahmed Kidwai (R), Commander Army Strategic Force Command Lieutenant General Tariq Nadeem Gilani, Commander Karachi Corps Lieutenant General Muhammad Ijaz Chaudhry, Chairman NESCOM Mr Muhammad Irfan Burney, and other senior military officials and scientists.

 Addressing the troops in the exercise area, the CJCSC commended the troops on displaying a high standard of proficiency in handling and operating the state of the art weapon system. He said that the nation had developed a strong nuclear deterrence capability and expected that the officers and men entrusted with the task of deterring aggression would continue to train hard and maintain professional excellence.

 He said that Pakistan’s Armed Forces were fully capable of safeguarding Pakistan’s security against aggression. The successful test has also been warmly appreciated by the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, who have congratulated the participating ASFC troops, the scientists and the engineers on their outstanding success. ISPR

Pakistan Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC) today has test fired improved version of Shaheen IA (Hatf-IV) intermediate range ballistic missile which can deliver nuclear and conventional warheads.

Shaheen IA (Hatf-IV) is a highly capable single stage solid fuel missile which employs terminal guidance to destroy its target with pinpoint accuracy.

Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lieutenant General ® Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Chairman NESCOM Muhammad Irfan Burney, Commander Army Strategic Force Command, Lieutenant General Tariq Nadeem Gilani witnessed the test of the Shaheen 1A ballistic missile.

Pakistan Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC) has successfully tested Hatf II Abdali ballistic missile with range 180 kilometres.

Test was part of the Pakistan Strategic Forces Commands (PSFC) process to have an effective nuclear attack capability at  tactical level. 

By: S M Hali 

Pakistan Naval (PN) Chief Admiral Asif Sandila, in an interview to the US weekly, Defense News, responding to a question regarding the threat Pakistan faces from an Indian nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed ballistic submarine upsetting the current strategic balance in South Asia, stated that “The strategic dimension of India’s naval build-up is a cause of concern not only for us but for the entire Indian Ocean region.”

Indian Navy (IN), in effect, is on a massive upsurge plan to build a blue water armada. Its colossal development plans include the acquisition of both indigenous and leased nuclear powered submarines and various other platforms capable of launching nuclear weapons to complete its triad i.e. delivering nuclear weapons from the air, surface and sub-surface thus confirming its second strike capability. India’s initiation to nuclear subs came with its acquisition of a Chakra class nuclear submarine from former USSR in 1987 on 10 years lease.

  The invaluable experience led to its desire for the development of indigenous nuclear submarines under the head of Advanced Technology Vessels (ATV) at Shipping Centre Vishakhapatnam in 1998.  Indian scientists claimed that they have been able to fit an indigenous Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) of 90 MW in the ATV’s hull.  However, it is assessed that the PWR has been acquired from Russia.  By mid 96, an amount of US$ 185.7 million was spent on ATV project and the cost has now escalated to US$ 3.7 billion.

At present, India has 14 active submarines in the fleet whereas IN has contracted France for 6 Scorpene submarines.  These subs are being constructed in Indian shipyard and are likely to be inducted in Indian fleet by 2018.  The Defence Committee of India has also approved procurement of 6 more conventional Submarines in addition to the six already being built with the help of France. The PWR of India’s first indigenously developed ATV, INS/M Arihant went active last year, while its sea trials are completing soon and Arihant’s induction is expected by end 2012.  Simultaneously, fabrication work on the three follow-on nuclear-powered submarines is in full swing whereas, the reactor for the 2nd S/M is being constructed with the help of Russia.  The 2nd INS/M Aridhaman is expected to be ready for sea trials by 2015.  The IN nuclear subs are to be armed initially with the 750 km Sagarika (K-15) Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM) and at a later stage with the under-development 3,500 km K-4 SLBMs.  INS/M Arihant has four silos to carry twelve 750 km range, Sagarika SLBM or four K-4s.  Meanwhile, IN has acquired two Russian Akula-II class nuclear submarines on lease from Russia because it wants to have three SSBNs and six SSNs (Nuclear-powered Attack Submarines) in the long term.  It is envisaged that by 2025 India will have around 30 conventional Submarines in her flotilla.

The induction of the nuclear submarines in the Indian Ocean will have serious implications for the region. It is going to elevate the international status of India amongst regional and extra regional nations/navies, while the existing security calculus in Arabian Sea vis-à-vis PN will significantly shift in the favour of IN. The threat to Chinese, Australian, Indonesian and other regional navies will increase multifold. Nuclear submarines provide the reach to attack the adversary in far flung waters across the globe as well as remain undetected under water at great depths for prolonged periods, without needing to come up to the surface for recharging its batteries or refueling. Operationally, they will act as a force multiplier armed with nuclear tipped missiles, their induction will further enhance IN’s capabilities to strike inside Pakistan while staying well away from Pakistani coast line.

IN’s other acquisitions include the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, renamed as INS Vikramaditya with 16 MiG-29K/KUBs and 6 to 8 Ka-31 AEW helicopters. India is also constructing 3 Indigenous Aircraft Carriers for the IN. It also plans to construct 3 destroyers of Kolkata class and Guided Missile Frigate’s, four ASW Corvettes, four 4 Saryu class Operational Patrol Vessels, four Landing Platform Docks, and acquire two Osprey Class Mine Hunters and eight P8-I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft from USA, besides developing additional strategic naval bases.

In the face of such a massive build-up, PN has its task cut out. It cannot match IN ship to ship but the Pakistani Naval Chief in his interview stated “We are mindful of this development and taking necessary measures to restore the strategic balance.” The nation thus needs to invest prudently into building its navy.

Email: sultanm.hali@gmail.com

As part of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), Pakistan and has agreed to extend the agreements related to the ballistic missile testing and risk reduction from accidents related to nuclear weapons for another five years.

These decisions were taken after two day discussions about the possible missile, nuclear and conventional CBMs.

Additional Secretaries of Pakistan and India will hold nuclear and conventional Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) discussions on December 26- 27 after a  four year gap. Last such discussions were held on October 14, 2007.

India had agreed for the discussions on nuclear CBMs in during the visit of the Pakistani foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar to the New Delhi.

Indian scientist  has said that Agni-IV strategic ballistic missile is Pakistani missiles. The Vijay Kumar Saraswat is head of  the DRDO and serves as a chief scientific advisor to the Indian Defence Minister.

India has tested a new nuclear capable Agni-IV ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheeler Island. The Agni-IV has range of 3,000 km  and it was launched from a mobile launcher at 0900 (0330 GMT)  hours.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials are getting ready to test fire Agni II Prime ballistic missile from the Wheeler Island off the coast of Orissa on the 15th of this month.