Pakistan’s recent declaration of successfully testing a “ship-launched anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM)” has ignited significant discussion, though the reality appears less impressive than the promotional narrative. While the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the test involving an “indigenously developed” missile hitting targets with “high precision,” official technical details are conspicuously absent.
Within hours of the announcement, pro-Pakistan media and social media channels began circulating claims that the missile was hypersonic, capable of Mach 8, possessed an 850 km range, and was a direct threat to India’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. These assertions were frequently accompanied by manipulated videos, creating a distorted picture of the weapon’s actual capabilities.
This contrasts sharply with previous disclosures. In November 2024, Pakistan showcased the P282 SMASH, a ship-launched ballistic missile with an estimated range of around 350 kilometers, likely derived from the Chinese CM-401. This was framed as a coastal defense weapon, not the long-range, high-speed system now being advertised.
Currently, there is no official confirmation of the missile’s specifications, including its exact range, speed classification, or the platform from which it was launched. While a launch video was released, it lacked crucial telemetry. Reports from some foreign defense outlets suggesting hypersonic capabilities and extended reach remain unverified by independent experts or official Pakistani statements.
The primary concern is the disconnect between the advertised capabilities and verifiable facts. There is no publicly available data supporting the claims of hypersonic speed or the purported 700+ km range. The documented SMASH system remains the shorter-range variant tested last year.
An effective ASBM requires more than just the missile; it needs a robust sensor-to-shooter capability. This involves a complex network of surveillance assets like satellites and long-range radars for real-time tracking of moving naval targets. Pakistan’s maritime surveillance relies primarily on coastal systems and limited airborne assets, lacking the comprehensive ocean-wide tracking infrastructure necessary to engage a carrier group at significant distances. China, a major ASBM developer, has invested heavily in such networks.
Strategically, this announcement might serve as a means for Pakistan to project strength, especially given its navy’s known operational constraints. India’s INS Vikrant, however, operates within a well-protected battle group featuring advanced air defense systems, layered protection from escort ships, and submarine support. Moreover, India is actively developing naval interceptors designed to counter fast-moving ballistic threats, directly addressing the type of capability Pakistan is now claiming to possess.
