Latest news with #Shaheen-III
India.com
29-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
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 is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@
India.com
19-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistan fired Shaheen ballistic missile to attack Delhi, reveals Indian Army. Know its strength and why no debris was found?
From Fatah-II to Shaheen-III... How far can Pakistan's missiles reach Amid recent tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Army shared a video revealing some important details. As per the NavBharat Times report, the video shows that Pakistan tried to cause major damage by launching a missile from its Shaheen series. But the key highlight is that India managed to successfully intercept the missile. This may lead to a question: if India really intercepted the Shaheen missile, why hasn't the debris been shown? The answer lies in India's advanced defense strategy. It's not just about stopping threats, but also about how the country handles security and intelligence in a smarter, more strategic way. An official video released by the Indian Army shows that Pakistan used Shaheen ballistic missiles along with Chinese A-100 and Fateh I/II MLRS weapons during the recent conflict. In retaliation, India fired its own Smerch MLRS. To intercept Pakistan's Shaheen and other missiles, India employed both the Russian S-400 air defense system and the indigenous Akash missile system. An analysis of the official video released by the Indian Army shows that during the conflict, Pakistan used several powerful weapons against India, including a missile targeted towards a location in the Indian capital, Delhi.
India.com
10-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
From Fatah-II to Shaheen-III... How far can Pakistan's missiles reach
From Fatah-II to Shaheen-III... How far can Pakistan's missiles reach Pakistan had last week conducted a successful training launch of the 'Fatah series' surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometres amid heightened tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army, said in a statement that a 'Fatah Series' was tested as a part of the ongoing exercise 'INDUS'. As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, Pakistan launched Fatah-II, but India intercepted and destroyed by defence forces over Haryana's Sirsa in the early hours of May 10. Reports suggest the missile may have been intended for Delhi, but India's Barak-8 air defence system neutralised the threat in time. The Fatah-II is just one component of Pakistan's expanding missile inventory. Here's an overview of the key missiles in Pakistan's arsenal, and the reach they offer across South Asia and beyond. Fatah-II: A hypersonic, precision-guided ballistic missile with a strike range of around 400 km, the Fatah-II can hit high-value targets deep inside enemy territory. It can carry conventional payloads or low-yield nuclear warheads. Its design shows similarities to modern battlefield systems such as the US GMLRS or China's PHL-series. Shaheen-III: Pakistan's farthest-reaching missile, the Shaheen-III boasts a range of up to 2,750 km. This surface-to-surface missile can deliver nuclear or conventional warheads that cover not only all of India but also reaching parts of the Middle East. Powered by solid fuel, it allows faster deployment and greater survivability. Ghauri-II: With a range exceeding 2,000 km, the Ghauri-II is an upgraded version of the earlier Ghauri-I. Capable of delivering nuclear or conventional warheads, it is believed to be based on North Korea's Nodong missile design. Babur-3: A strategic asset for underwater deterrence, the Babur-3 is Pakistan's submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM), with a reach of around 450 km. It offers second-strike nuclear capability and was test-launched from a submerged platform in 2017. Short-Range Missiles Abdali (Hatf-II): Designed for tactical roles, the Abdali is a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a reach of 200-300 km. It can carry conventional or nuclear warheads up to 500 kg. Its inertial guidance improves accuracy over its predecessors. Ghaznavi (Hatf-III): With a strike range of roughly 290-320 km, the Ghaznavi is nuclear-capable and powered by solid fuel for rapid launch. It carries warheads similar in capacity to the Abdali. Nasr (Hatf-IX): A battlefield weapon with a tactical role, the Nasr missile has a short range of 70 km. Its primary role is to deliver low-yield nuclear warheads in close-combat scenarios, providing Pakistan with a deterrent at the tactical level. Cruise and Coastal Missiles Harba: The Harba is a ship-based cruise missile, estimated to have a strike range between 300-450 km. It enhances Pakistan's naval strike capabilities. Zarb: Zarb is a coastal defence missile designed to target enemy vessels approaching Pakistan's shores. Its estimated range falls between 280-300 km. India and Pakistan's missile capabilities have drawn global attention. The latest incidents show not just the destructive potential of these weapons, but also the importance of sophisticated interception systems that can prevent major escalation in real time.
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
India and Pakistan's Nuclear Arsenal Compared
World India and Pakistan's Nuclear Arsenal Compared A Pakistani-made Shaheen-III missile. A Pakistani-made Shaheen-III missile, that is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, are displayed during a military parade to mark Pakistan National Day, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on March 23, 2022. The world's nine nuclear-armed states continue to modernize their nuclear weapons as the countries continue to deepen their reliance on such deterrence in 2023, a Swedish think tank, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute said Monday, June 17, 2024. In Asia, India, Pakistan and North Korea are all pursuing the capability to deploy multiple warheads on ballistic missiles, the institute said. Anjum Naveed/AP Photo Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, fears of nuclear conflict are mounting as both nations possess nearly 200 nuclear warheads and continue to modernize their arsenals. India, which has long adhered to a No First Use (NFU) policy, has recently signaled possible reconsideration, while Pakistan, which has no such policy, maintains the right to strike first. Why It Matters Concerns about the potential for a nuclear exchange have intensified following a sharp uptick in hostilities. Last month, gunmen killed 26 people-mostly Indian tourists-in Indian-controlled Kashmir. In response, India launched airstrikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, claiming they were militant staging grounds. Pakistan said the strikes hit civilian areas and has issued an ultimatum, warning of further action unless Indian operations cease. What To Know India has about 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan possesses roughly 170, according to the Arms Control Association. Despite their similar numbers, the countries diverge in nuclear doctrine. India publicly maintains an NFU doctrine, pledging to use nuclear weapons only in retaliation. However, recent rhetoric from Indian leadership has hinted at revisiting that stance. Pakistan has never adopted a similar policy and reserves the option of preemptive use. Tactical Capabilities India holds the advantage in missile range and strategic deterrence. Its Agni-V ballistic missile can reach up to 8,000 kilometers, enabling strikes deep into enemy territory. Pakistan's longest-range missile under development, the Shaheen III, has a reach of about 2,750 kilometers. Pakistan also deploys tactical nuclear weapons, including the Nasr (Hatf-9), a short-range missile with a 70-kilometer range designed for battlefield use. Military Strength India outpaces Pakistan in active military personnel: 1.24 million in the army, 149,000 in the air force, and 75,500 in the navy. Pakistan has about 560,000 army troops, 70,000 in the air force, and 30,000 in its navy. India also operates a 13,350-strong coast guard. What People Are Saying Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned: "If India backs down, we'll definitely wrap up these are not hostile acts-we are just defending our territory." India's Defense Ministry, in a statement: "Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistan military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution." U.S. President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office: "They have been fighting for many, many decades, and centuries if you really think about it. I just hope it ends very quickly." What Happens Next With both nations refusing to back down, the risk of further escalation remains high. Diplomatic efforts will likely intensify in the coming days, but experts warn that without de-escalation, even a limited conflict could spiral into a devastating nuclear confrontation. Related Articles 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC. This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 11:14 AM.
Newsweek
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
India and Pakistan's Nuclear Arsenal Compared
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, fears of nuclear conflict are mounting as both nations possess nearly 200 nuclear warheads and continue to modernize their arsenals. India, which has long adhered to a No First Use (NFU) policy, has recently signaled possible reconsideration, while Pakistan, which has no such policy, maintains the right to strike first. Why It Matters Concerns about the potential for a nuclear exchange have intensified following a sharp uptick in hostilities. Last month, gunmen killed 26 people—mostly Indian tourists—in Indian-controlled Kashmir. In response, India launched airstrikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, claiming they were militant staging grounds. Pakistan said the strikes hit civilian areas and has issued an ultimatum, warning of further action unless Indian operations cease. A Pakistani-made Shaheen-III missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads is displayed during a military parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2022. A Pakistani-made Shaheen-III missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads is displayed during a military parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2022. Anjum Naveed/AP Photo What To Know India has about 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan possesses roughly 170, according to the Arms Control Association. Despite their similar numbers, the countries diverge in nuclear doctrine. India publicly maintains an NFU doctrine, pledging to use nuclear weapons only in retaliation. However, recent rhetoric from Indian leadership has hinted at revisiting that stance. Pakistan has never adopted a similar policy and reserves the option of preemptive use. Tactical Capabilities India holds the advantage in missile range and strategic deterrence. Its Agni-V ballistic missile can reach up to 8,000 kilometers, enabling strikes deep into enemy territory. Pakistan's longest-range missile under development, the Shaheen III, has a reach of about 2,750 kilometers. Pakistan also deploys tactical nuclear weapons, including the Nasr (Hatf-9), a short-range missile with a 70-kilometer range designed for battlefield use. Military Strength India outpaces Pakistan in active military personnel: 1.24 million in the army, 149,000 in the air force, and 75,500 in the navy. Pakistan has about 560,000 army troops, 70,000 in the air force, and 30,000 in its navy. India also operates a 13,350-strong coast guard. Soldiers stand guard at a mosque damaged by a suspected Indian missile attack near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, on May 7, 2025. Soldiers stand guard at a mosque damaged by a suspected Indian missile attack near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, on May 7, 2025. M.D. Mughal/AP Photo What People Are Saying Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned: "If India backs down, we'll definitely wrap up these are not hostile acts—we are just defending our territory." India's Defense Ministry, in a statement: "Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistan military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution." U.S. President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office: "They have been fighting for many, many decades, and centuries if you really think about it. I just hope it ends very quickly." What Happens Next With both nations refusing to back down, the risk of further escalation remains high. Diplomatic efforts will likely intensify in the coming days, but experts warn that without de-escalation, even a limited conflict could spiral into a devastating nuclear confrontation.
