Pakistan Shifts Focus from Nuclear Arsenal to Missile Power; Navy’s SMASH Test Raises Global Concerns

Islamabad: Despite its fragile economic condition, Pakistan continues to prioritise military expansion, particularly strengthening its naval capabilities. In a significant development, the Pakistan Navy announced on 25 November the successful test of a new supersonic anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) named SMASH, a move that has caught global attention.

According to the Navy, SMASH is capable of striking targets up to 350 kilometres away and can be launched from Zulfiqar-class (F-22P) frigates. Defence experts say the test indicates a strategic shift under Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—away from nuclear stockpiling and towards advanced missile production. Analysts believe the change in strategy has been influenced significantly by the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

A New Direction in Pakistan’s Naval Strategy

Defence analyst Bilal Khan notes that SMASH represents a major step in Pakistan’s evolving missile doctrine. It now includes systems such as:

• Harbah NG: A subsonic anti-ship cruise missile deployed on Azmat-class fast attack craft.
• Zarb: A land-based subsonic anti-ship cruise missile system.
• CM-302: A Chinese-origin supersonic cruise missile integrated into the Tughril-class (Type-054A/P) frigates.

The SMASH test signals Pakistan’s growing emphasis on anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capability—an approach that relies on long-range missiles, submarines, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to deter enemy forces from entering its maritime zone.

SMASH and Fatah-2—Twin Missile Platforms

The newly tested SMASH missile shares core components with the Pakistan Army’s Fatah-2 missile. Both systems have a similar fuselage and rear stabiliser design. While SMASH has a range of 300–350 km, Fatah-2 can strike up to 400 km. Despite this range variation, their overall strike potential remains comparable.

Pursuit of Indigenous Missile Capability

Although Pakistan’s missile programme has long relied on Chinese technology, the country’s defence production authority, NESCOM, is increasingly focusing on developing indigenous missile systems. NESCOM continues to use Chinese support but aims to achieve self-reliance in the design of:

• Ballistic missiles
• Cruise missiles
• Loitering munitions

Experts say the SMASH test reflects this aspiration. Beyond its extended range, the missile is equipped with advanced guidance and targeting systems capable of hitting moving naval vessels—a capability that significantly enhances Pakistan Navy’s operational strength.

Global Implications

Pakistan’s renewed commitment to expanding its naval missile arsenal at a time of economic crisis raises serious questions about regional security. The successful SMASH test underscores Islamabad’s strategic intent to enhance sea-denial capabilities in the Indian Ocean and project greater power in the region.

As Pakistan accelerates missile development, defence experts warn that its shifting priorities could influence the broader geopolitical balance in South Asia—where missile dominance is increasingly becoming a critical element of military strategy.