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NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
After Asim Munir's Threat, A Look At Pakistan's Nuclear Capabilities
New Delhi: India has formally condemned Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir's recent nuclear threats, delivered during a public address in Florida, as "irresponsible". Speaking to an audience of Pakistani-origin residents, Munir -- who holds the rank of Field Marshal -- warned that if Pakistan faced an "existential threat" in a future conflict with India, it would be prepared to retaliate with catastrophic force. "We are a nuclear nation. If we think we are going down, we'll take half the world down with us," he was quoted as saying. In the same address, Munir tied his warning to India's recent decision to suspend certain provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. Despite Munir's bold claim, does Pakistan have global nuclear strike capabilities? Pakistan's Nuclear Arsenal According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) 2025 Yearbook, as of January, Pakistan's stockpile was estimated at around 170 nuclear warheads, a figure unchanged from the previous year. The country has continued developing a nuclear triad comprising aircraft capable of delivering nuclear gravity bombs, ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles. and sea-launched cruise missiles (SLCMs) intended for submarine deployment. The SIPRI report states that Pakistan is developing multiple new delivery systems, suggesting that its arsenal could expand in the next decade. Missile Capabilities Pakistan's Shaheen-3 stands as its most advanced ballistic missile, boasting a range of 2,750 kilometres. This capability allows it to strike targets across the entirety of India. Complementing the Shaheen-3 is the Ababeel missile, which introduces the potential for multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). This feature could allow it to deliver multiple warheads to distinct targets, posing a significant challenge to missile defence systems. India's S-400 air defence system provides robust protection against a range of aerial threats, such as these. Pakistan's missile arsenal remains confined to regional influence. Claims of global reach, such as those suggesting coverage of "half the world," overstate capabilities. The Shaheen-3, with its 2,750 km range, can target parts of the Middle East and all of India but falls short of reaching East Asia, Western Europe, or North America. The Ababeel, with a 2,200 km range, is still in development, with unverified MIRV capabilities. Shorter-range systems like the Fatah-II (400 km, hypersonic), Shaheen-II (1,500-2,000 km), and Ghauri-II (over 2,000 km) cater to regional and battlefield roles. Submarine-launched Babur-3 (450 km) and short-range missiles like Abdali (200-300 km), Ghaznavi (290-320 km), and Nasr (70 km) are Pakistan's other tactical options. All of Pakistan's missiles, including the Nasr short-range ballistic missile, are considered dual-capable, meaning they can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. Pakistan is developing two variants of the Ra'ad air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) to supplement its limited number of nuclear gravity bombs. Neither version is currently believed to be operational. The Mirage III and possibly Mirage V aircraft are thought to serve as Pakistan's primary nuclear-capable aircraft. According to the SIPRI report, the locally produced JF-17 fighter will assume this role in the future, with the Ra'ad ALCM integrated into its weapons suite. One significant development is Pakistan's Ababeel medium-range missile, reportedly capable of delivering multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). As of early 2025, it had not been operationally deployed. Analysts view Pakistan's MIRV pursuit as a counter to India's acquisition of advanced ballistic missile defence systems, including the Russian-made S-400. Naval Component According to the SIPRI report, Pakistan is working to establish a credible second-strike capability through a sea-based nuclear force. The Babur-3 SLCM, tested in 2017 and 2018, is designed to arm the Pakistan Navy's three Agosta-90B diesel-electric submarines. This capability, once operational, would complete Pakistan's nuclear triad. The exact yields of Pakistan's warheads are unknown. Its 1998 nuclear tests demonstrated a maximum yield of approximately 12 kilotons. While it is possible that boosted fission warheads with higher yields have since been developed, there is no open-source evidence of two-stage thermonuclear designs. Pakistan reportedly stores its nuclear warheads separately from delivery systems in peacetime. SIPRI's estimates include around eight "other stored warheads" that may be intended for future systems such as the Shaheen-III missile. India Responds To Munir The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on Monday, calling Munir's comments "nuclear sabre-rattling" and "stock-in-trade" for Pakistan's military. "The international community can draw its own conclusions on the irresponsibility inherent in such remarks, which also reinforces the well-held doubts about the integrity of nuclear command and control in a state where the military is hand-in-glove with terrorist groups," the MEA said.
India.com
24-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
These 44 countries may regret trusting China for..., Pakistan, Bangladesh paying heavy price for doing this, should India be worried?
These 44 countries may regret trusting China for..., Pakistan, Bangladesh paying heavy price for doing this, should India be worried? In the past few years, there have been many reports about problems with Chinese weapons. Some Chinese missiles failed during tests in Pakistan, and Chinese fighter jets crashed in Bangladesh. Still, China continues to sell its low-cost weapons and aircraft to many countries around the world. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China sold weapons to 44 countries between 2018 and 2024. But this raises some important questions as to which countries are buying these weapons, and why? Especially when there are doubts about their quality. And should India be worried about this? What went wrong with Chinese weapons in Pakistan and Bangladesh? Missile and jet failures in Pakistan Shaheen-3 Missile Incident : On July 22, 2025, Pakistan tested the Shaheen-3 missile, which was developed with help from China. The missile failed during the test and crashed near a nuclear facility in Dera Ghazi Khan, causing a loud explosion. Some debris even fell close to homes in Dera Bugti, Balochistan. This missile, like the JF-17 fighter jet, is a joint project between China and Pakistan. : On July 22, 2025, Pakistan tested the Shaheen-3 missile, which was developed with help from China. The missile failed during the test and crashed near a nuclear facility in Dera Ghazi Khan, causing a loud explosion. Some debris even fell close to homes in Dera Bugti, Balochistan. This missile, like the JF-17 fighter jet, is a joint project between China and Pakistan. Problems with JF-17 Fighter Jet : Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder jet, made in partnership with China, has faced many technical issues. In 2020, there were complaints about its radar not being accurate. Also, the FM-90 missile system, which comes with the jet, had faulty sensors. : Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder jet, made in partnership with China, has faced many technical issues. In 2020, there were complaints about its radar not being accurate. Also, the FM-90 missile system, which comes with the jet, had faulty sensors. Issues with F-22P Navy Ships: China also built F-22P frigates for Pakistan's navy. These ships had engine problems and did not perform well. Their radar and sensor systems were also found to be faulty. Despite all this, many countries still buy weapons from China because they are cheaper compared to those from the US or Europe. But the reliability of these weapons remains a serious concern. Jet crashes in Bangladesh raise concerns over Chinese Weapons Bangladesh had procured K-8W jet trainers from China, but by 2018, serious flaws were discovered in their ammunition systems. Several jets ended up crashing, causing both financial and operational setbacks for the Bangladeshi Air Force. Back in 2017, Bangladesh also bought the FM-90 surface-to-air missile system from China. However, issues soon emerged in its radar and sensor systems, leading to doubts about its reliability. These repeated incidents have sparked major concerns over the quality of Chinese-made military equipment. Despite this, many nations continue to turn to China for arms due to their lower prices and flexible terms. Which countries are buying Chinese weapons? According to data from the SIPRI and RAND Corporation, between 2018 and 2024, at least 44 countries purchased arms and aircraft from China. Most of these buyers are developing nations, drawn by the affordability and accessibility of Chinese military exports. Between 2018 and 2024, around 77.3 per cent of China's total arms exports went to Asian countries, followed by 19.1 per cent to Africa. Here's a region-wise breakdown of major buyers and the Chinese weapon systems they've acquired: Here's a look at some of the key countries and what they've purchased: Pakistan – China's top defense client Pakistan accounts for a massive 63 per cent of China's arms exports. The two countries also co-develop certain weapons. Key acquisitions include: JF-17 Thunder fighter jets (jointly developed), J-10C multirole fighter jets, PL-15E air-to-air missiles, HQ-9 and LY-80 air defense systems, F-22P and Type 054A/P frigates, Wing Loong drones. Bangladesh K-8W trainer jets, FM-90 air defense systems, Type 056 corvette ships, C-802 anti-ship missiles. Between 2010 and 2020, Bangladesh's total military purchases from China amounted to around USD 970 million (Trend-Indicator Value). Myanmar Myanmar has deepened defense ties with China, especially post-2021 coup. Weapons acquired include: 17 JF-17 fighter jets, CH-3A surveillance drones, Y-8 transport aircraft, Type-43 frigates, Type-92 armored vehicles. CH-3A drones were reportedly used for surveillance against civilian protestors following the military coup. Thailand S26T submarines, VT-4 main battle tanks, Type 071E amphibious landing ships. Indonesia C-705 anti-ship missiles, FM-90 air defense systems. In 2017, a fatal accident involving Chinese-made arms raised fresh questions about their reliability. Sri Lanka Y-12 transport aircraft, Type 053H frigate. Africa: 19.1 per cent of Chinese Arms exports Nigeria: CH-4 drones, VT-4 tanks, SH-5 artillery. Algeria: CH-4 drones, HQ-9 missiles, C-28A corvettes. Ethiopia: SH-15 self-propelled howitzers. Côte d'Ivoire: VN22B armored vehicles. Sudan: FTC-2000 trainer jets, Type 96 tanks. Uganda: Type 85 tanks, SH-3 artillery. Zambia: K-8P trainer jets, Z-9 helicopters. Kenya: VN-4 and WZ-551 armored personnel carriers. Namibia: FT-9 jets, Type 07PA artillery. Cameroon: Type 07PA artillery, WZ-551 vehicles. Ghana: Z-9 helicopters. 🇹🇿 Tanzania: Type 63A amphibious tanks. Djibouti: WMA301 assault guns. Senegal: PTL-02 assault guns. Morocco: Sky Dragon 50 air defense systems. Egypt: Wing Loong drones. Tunisia: CH-4 drones. Middle East: Expanding Influence Saudi Arabia Has actively procured CH-4 and Wing Loong drones. Over 40 Chinese defense firms participated in the 2024 World Defense Show in Riyadh. United Arab Emirates Bought Wing Loong and CH-5 drones, diversifying away from U.S. suppliers. Jordan turned to China for CH-4 drones in 2015, after the U.S. denied a request for MQ-1s. Iraq Acquired CH-4 drones and FT-9 trainer jets. Oman Purchased C-802 anti-ship missiles. Iran, a long-time Chinese defense partner since the 1980s, Iran has received: C-802 and C-704 missiles, Type 92 armored vehicles, Tanks, aircraft, and missiles. South America Venezuela: K-8W trainer jets, VN-4 armored vehicles. Bolivia: K-8 jets, Type 92 armored vehicles. Peru: Type 90B rocket launchers.
India.com
16-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
'Messing around with Israel will prove to be a disaster for Pakistan'? Why did Iran make this claim? Experts say...
New Delhi: The tension between Israel and Iran is at its peak. Israel destroyed Iran's nuclear and military bases, so Iran also started attacking rapidly. There are reports of many people being killed in the Iranian attack in Israel. Meanwhile, Iran has also dragged Pakistan's name in this war. Iran said that if Israel launches a nuclear attack on Iran, Pakistan will immediately respond and launch a nuclear bomb. Pakistan got scared after this claim of Iran and immediately backed out. Rejecting the Iranian claim, Pakistan said that there has been no talk of nuclear attack from Islamabad. Pakistan has expressed support for Iran and condemned the Israeli attack. Pakistan is already troubled by the war between Israel and Iran. Petrol and diesel prices have started rising in Pakistan. On the other hand, if we talk about military power, Pakistan is nowhere in front of Israel. Pakistan is also afraid that it may become Israel's next target. The devastation of Gaza is not hidden from anyone. If Israel targets Pakistan, it will be badly destroyed. How powerful is Israel than Pakistan? Pakistan is nowhere near Israel in terms of military power. A powerful missile will be needed to launch a nuclear attack. In terms of missile capability, Pakistan is a mere speck in front of Israel. Israel has Jericho ballistic missile 3 which can strike up to 6500 kilometers. It can attack at the speed of sound. It can also carry nuclear weapons. The distance between Israel and Pakistan is 3 thousand kilometers. In such a situation, Israel can destroy Pakistan in a very short span of time. Pakistan's most powerful missile is Shaheen-3 which has a range is 2700 kilometers. In such a situation, this missile of Pakistan cannot cover the whole of Israel with nuclear weapons. If Pakistan and Israel launch a nuclear attack together, then Israel's missile will reach Pakistan first. Apart from this, Pakistan is not capable of launching a nuclear attack due to opposition from America.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Pakistan will attack Israel with nuclear missile': Top Iranian official; can Shaheen-3 reach Tel Aviv?
Senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) general and Iranian National Security Council member Mohsen Rezaei stated in an interview on Iranian state television that Pakistan has assured Iran that if Israel uses nuclear weapons, Pakistan will retaliate with nuclear strikes as well. "Pakistan has told us that if Israel uses nuclear missiles, we will also attack it with nuclear weapons," Rezaei said during an interview on Iranian state television. Pakistan's Shaheen-3 missile can strike targets as far as 2,700 kilometers, giving Pakistan the capability to target any region in Israel. Its deployment has not been commented by the Pakistani military but Shaheen-III is currently deemed as operational in the strategic command of Pakistan army. However, despite Pakistan's strong verbal support for Iran amid Israeli attacks, no official Pakistani statement has confirmed any intent to use nuclear weapons against Israel. Rezaei also mentioned that Iran possesses undisclosed tactics and capabilities yet to be revealed. Pakistan's firm support for Iran Pakistan has expressed firm solidarity with Iran following Israeli attacks. Pakistan's defense minister Khawaja Asif, speaking in the National Assembly on June 14, called for Muslim nations to unite against Israel, warning that Israel's aggression targets not only Iran but also Yemen and Palestine, and that failure to unite would leave all Muslim countries vulnerable to similar attacks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Вы забудете о боли в суставах благодаря этим простым способам! Здоровые Суставы Undo He urged Muslim countries maintaining diplomatic ties with Israel to sever them immediately and called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene and devise a joint strategy. Asif emphasized Pakistan's deep ties with Iran and pledged support for Tehran at all international forums to protect its interests. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan's solidarity with Iran in a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, condemning Israel's attacks as violations of Iran's sovereignty and a threat to regional and global peace. He urged the international community and the United Nations to take urgent action to halt Israel's aggression and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to promoting peace in the region. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Iranian nuclear and military facilities, prompting retaliatory missile strikes from Iran. Casualties have been reported on both sides amid ongoing hostilities
India Today
08-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
S-400 vs Shaheen-3: Missile power in focus as India, Pak tensions rise
As India and Pakistan face heightened tensions following Operation Sindoor and subsequent Pakistani attempts at retaliation, two advanced missile systems-the Indian Air Force's S-400 'Sudarshan Chakra' and Pakistan's Shaheen-3 ballistic missile-have come into sharp focus, symbolising the evolving strategic balance in South Indian Air Force deployed its S-400 air defence systems on Wednesday night and foiled an aerial attack by Pakistan in retaliation for Operation Russian-made S-400 systems used in the interception are among the most advanced in the world, capable of tracking targets up to 600 kilometres away and intercepting threats at ranges of up to 400 kilometres.S-400 Sudarshan Chakra: India's Missile Shield India's S-400 Triumf, dubbed 'Sudarshan Chakra' in IAF service, is one of the world's most advanced air defence from Russia, India has three regiments operational out of five ordered, each capable of detecting, tracking, and intercepting aircraft, drones, and ballistic or cruise missiles up to 400 km S-400's phased-array radar, multiple interceptor missiles, and networked command structure allow it to engage up to 80 targets simultaneously, providing a formidable shield over critical Indian assets. During recent escalations, the S-400 played a decisive role in foiling Pakistani retaliatory strikes, forcing adversary aircraft and missiles to abort or Pakistan's Strategic ReachadvertisementPakistan's Shaheen-3 is its longest-range ballistic missile, with a reach of 2,750 km-enough to target all of India, including the Andaman and Nicobar solid-fuel, road-mobile missile can carry nuclear or conventional warheads and is designed for rapid launch and survivability. Its speed (up to 18 times the speed of sound) and mobility make it a credible deterrent, complicating interception Shaheen-3 is complemented by Pakistan's MIRV-capable Ababeel, which can deploy multiple warheads to overwhelm missile the S-400 gives India a robust, multi-layered defence against aerial threats, the Shaheen-3 extends Pakistan's strategic reach, ensuring mutual interplay between these systems shows the high-stakes nature of India-Pakistan military posturing, where technology, readiness, and rapid response shape the evolving security InTrending Reel
