Syed Samiullah
In a record-breaking achievement, the Pakistan Navy successfully test-fired its indigenously developed ship-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), named SMASH, on November 4, 2024. This event marked a significant step forward in Pakistan’s maritime defense capabilities, enhancing its strategic reach and reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding its territorial waters. The successful test was observed by the Chief of Naval Staff, senior naval officers, and a dedicated team of scientists and engineers, all of whom played an integral role in the missile’s design and execution. Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and other service chiefs congratulated the naval units and scientific teams involved, reinforcing the importance of Indigenous defense technology for Pakistan’s military capabilities.
Features and capabilities
The SMASH missile, internally designated as P-282, represents a significant leap in Pakistan’s missile technology. Key features of the missile include:
Range and target versatility:
With a range of 350 kilometers, SMASH extends the Pakistan Navy’s reach, allowing it to strike both stationary and moving targets on land and at sea. Its versatility makes it a critical component in countering diverse threats.
Navigation and maneuverability:
Equipped with an advanced navigation system, the missile is capable of altering its trajectory and speed during flight. This adaptability ensures precision even in dynamic combat scenarios.
Technological sophistication:
The missile is controlled by jet vanes during the boost phase, complemented by clipped delta flight control surfaces for enhanced steering. Its fuselage, featuring external ridges, houses antenna arrays for seamless communication with propulsion and steering systems.
Launch platform:
The missile was launched from a Zulfiquar-class frigate, one of four multi-role warships in Pakistan’s fleet. These frigates are equipped with inclined launchers initially intended for C-802 anti-ship missiles, highlighting the adaptability of Pakistan’s naval platforms to advanced systems.
Length and diameter
The white and blue livery with the word “SMASH” prominently displayed missile has a diameter of 8590 cm and a length of approximately 9 meters.
Comparison to global ASBM systems
The SMASH missile aligns with global advancements in Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles (ASBMs), a class of weapons renowned for their destructive potential and strategic significance. Comparable systems include China’s CM-401, which features supersonic speed and complex maneuverability, enabling it to target large ships and harbor installations effectively; Iran’s ASBM developments, which focus on integrating terminal maneuverability into existing ballistic missile designs; and the United States’ PrSM Increment 2, equipped with a tri-mode seeker for enhanced precision and adaptability. While details about SMASH’s warhead capacity remain classified, it’s demonstrated performance positions it among the leading global ASBM systems, with notable penetration advantages against sophisticated naval defenses.
Historical evolution of Pakistan Navy’s Missile Arsenal
The test-firing of the SMASH missile is part of a broader narrative of modernization within the Pakistan Navy. Over the past decade, the Navy has significantly expanded its missile capabilities, transitioning from reliance on imported systems to the development of indigenous solutions. In 2016, Pakistan introduced the Zarb, a shore-based subsonic anti-ship missile. This was followed by the Babur-3, a submarine-launched cruise missile, in 2017, which marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s undersea warfare capabilities. In 2018, the Navy deployed the Harbah, a dual-role missile capable of targeting both land and sea. The SMASH missile, with its enhanced range and precision, is the latest addition to this arsenal, reflecting a consistent trajectory of advancement.
Conclusion
The SMASH missile enhances Pakistan’s Anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities, providing precise long-range strike potential to neutralize naval and terrestrial threats. Its successful test highlights Pakistan’s commitment to military innovation and modernization. Amid regional competition in the Indian Ocean, SMASH strengthens Pakistan’s deterrence posture and underscores its strategic role in ensuring security through indigenous development and international collaboration.
The author is the head of the Research Department at RFI and Associate Editor of the monthly Interaction.
