India set to test 1000 km range missile strike capability days after Pakistan's 'SMASH' firing

As India's defense forces explore the creation of a dedicated rocket force, the country is preparing to test a new long-range missile designed to target warships and aircraft carriers. 

The anti-ship ballistic missile will have the capability to strike moving targets from over 1,000 kilometers away, marking a significant advancement in India's defense technology. This new missile will greatly enhance India's ability to defend its maritime boundaries, providing a powerful tool to safeguard against threats from the sea.

According to defense sources speaking to ANI, the Defence Research and Development Organisation is planning to conduct a test of the ballistic missile in the coming days. Sources indicate that the anti-ship ballistic missile can be launched from either warships or locations on land.

Sources report that this missile system is being developed specifically for the Indian Navy. It will enable the Navy to target and destroy enemy ships from a long distance, enhancing its defense capabilities.

Expanding ballistic missile stockpile

India's military is expanding its stockpile of ballistic missiles, with both the Indian Army and Air Force placing orders for Pralay ballistic missiles. These missiles add to India's defense strength, as they are designed to hit specific targets with high accuracy over long distances.

The number of missiles in India's defense forces will steadily increase as short-and medium-range missiles are added to the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This buildup will strengthen their ability to handle prolonged conflicts effectively.

Recently, ballistic missiles have been used widely in conflicts, with even non-state groups launching hundreds of them at enemy targets in a single night. for those unfamiliar with the terminology, a non-state group is an organization or group that operates independently of any government. They often have their own goals and can be involved in conflicts or other activities.

Indian forces have faced ongoing conflict with China along the northern border. China has a large rocket force and a vast supply of long-range weapons, which can be used in both conventional and non-nuclear roles.

According to media reports, Indian forces have held in-depth discussions about establishing an organization with a large inventory to effectively address all security challenges.

Pakistan Navy's recent SMASH test

Meanwhile, on November 4, the Pakistan Navy reported that it had successfully test-fired an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) with a 350 km range. According to video footage shared by the Navy, this missile is referred to as the 'SMASH', which likely stands for 'Supersonic Missile Anti-SHiP'.

The Pakistan Navy launched the SMASH ASBM from one of its Zulfiquar-class (F-22P) multi-role frigates. The Navy currently has a fleet of four of these ships.

It's unclear if the SMASH missile is connected to the P282, which Pakistan Navy leadership first introduced in 2020 as a "hypersonic solution" (meaning it can travel at minimum speeds of over 6,000 km/hr or abive Mach 5).

Earlier, the SMASH missile appeared to be a supersonic anti-ship missile (AShM), much like the CM-302 or BrahMos missiles. However, it's important to note that the Pakistan Navy recently introduced the CM-302 missile, which is now being deployed on its Tughril-class (Type 054A/P) frigates. (Supersonic means speeds of over 1,200 km/hr or above Mach 1).