Pakistan Shaheen-III's Menace: India's Wrath will End It
In a bold move that has reshaped South Asia's security landscape, Pakistan's deployment of the Shaheen-III ballistic missile has sent ripples through strategic circles. With a range of 2,750 kilometers, this solid-fuel, road-mobile missile can strike anywhere in India, including the distant Andaman and Nicobar Islands, erasing the notion of geographic safe havens. Capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads at hypersonic speeds, the Shaheen-III is Pakistan's answer to India's growing missile capabilities, particularly the Agni-III and Agni-V. As Islamabad flexes its strategic muscle, the question is: How can India absorb this shock and maintain its edge?
The Shaheen-III, first tested in 2015 and fine-tuned through launches up to 2022, is no ordinary weapon. Its solid-fuel propulsion allows rapid launches, making it hard to detect and destroy. Mounted on a Chinese-built mobile launcher, it can be moved swiftly, dodging preemptive strikes. Pakistan's Strategic Plans Division has tailored this missile to counter India's missile defense systems, like the S-400, and to ensure a credible second-strike capability. Reports suggest Pakistan is even exploring Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, which could allow a single missile to hit multiple targets, overwhelming defenses.
For India, this is a wake-up call. The Shaheen-III's reach not only threatens military bases across the mainland but also critical assets in the Indian Ocean region. This compresses India's response time in a crisis, raising the risk of escalation. Pakistan's message is clear: no part of India is beyond its reach. Yet, India is not without options. Here's how New Delhi can strategically counter this challenge.
First, India must bolster its missile defense network. The S-400 systems, combined with indigenous defenses like the Prithvi Air Defence and Ashwin interceptors, need to be deployed strategically to protect key cities and military installations. Investing in advanced radar systems to track hypersonic missiles will be crucial. While no defense is foolproof, a layered shield can deter Pakistan from assuming an easy strike.
Second, India should accelerate its own missile programs. The Agni-V, with a range of over 5,000 kilometers, already outmatches the Shaheen-III. Upgrading to the Agni-VI, with potential MIRV capabilities, would restore India's strategic advantage. Simultaneously, hypersonic glide vehicle technology, which India is developing, could counter Pakistan's speed advantage, ensuring a robust deterrent.
Third, India's sea-based deterrence needs a boost. Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) like the INS Arihant and its successors offer a survivable second-strike option. By expanding its submarine fleet and deploying them in the Indian Ocean, India can ensure that even a surprise attack from Pakistan would not cripple its retaliatory power.
Beyond hardware, India must refine its nuclear doctrine. While maintaining a no-first-use policy, New Delhi should clarify that any nuclear aggression, regardless of scale, will trigger a massive response. This unambiguous stance can deter Pakistan from miscalculating. Diplomatic channels should also be used to signal restraint, reducing the risk of crises spiraling out of control.
Finally, India must address the broader geopolitical implications. The Shaheen-III's range extends beyond India, potentially influencing dynamics in the Gulf and Middle East. By deepening defense ties with allies like the US, Israel, and Gulf nations, India can counterbalance Pakistan's strategic outreach. Economic and military cooperation with these partners will also help India maintain its regional clout.
The Shaheen-III is a bold statement from Pakistan, but it need not tip the scales. India's economic strength, technological prowess, and strategic depth provide ample tools to respond. By enhancing defenses, advancing missile technology, and strengthening its nuclear triad, India can absorb this shock and emerge stronger. The message to Islamabad should be clear: India's resolve is unshakable, and its deterrence is here to stay.
In this high-stakes chess game, the Shaheen-III may be Pakistan's knight, but India's queen—its multifaceted strategic arsenal—is ready to checkmate. The challenge is steep, but so is India's capacity to rise above it.
————-E.O.M
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst.He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components
India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
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