The United States Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has issued a significant warning regarding Pakistan's evolving missile capabilities, while according to Gabbard, Pakistan is actively developing long-range missiles that could eventually possess the capability to target the United States. This assessment comes amid heightened global concerns over nuclear proliferation and regional security dynamics. Gabbard categorized Pakistan and China as primary nuclear threats to American interests during her recent briefing on global security challenges.
Pakistan's Ballistic Missile Arsenal: Shaheen and Ghaznavi Series
Pakistan's strategic deterrence is primarily built around its diverse fleet of ballistic missiles. The Shaheen series is considered the backbone of this arsenal. The Shaheen-1 is a short-to-medium-range missile with an estimated reach of 750 to 900 kilometers. The Shaheen-2, a medium-range ballistic missile, is capable of striking targets at distances between 1,500 and 2,000 kilometers. Most notably, the Shaheen-3 is recognized as Pakistan's longest-range missile, with an operational reach of approximately 2,750 kilometers. On top of that, the Ghaznavi missile provides short-range ballistic capabilities with a range of about 290 kilometers.
Tactical Nuclear Capabilities: The Nasr and Abdali Missiles
A key component of Pakistan's military doctrine is the use of tactical nuclear weapons designed for battlefield scenarios. The Nasr (Haft-9) missile is central to this strategy, featuring a range of 60 to 70 kilometers. It's designed for high precision and quick deployment to deter conventional military advances. Complementing this is the Abdali missile, another short-range system with an operational capability of 180 to 200 kilometers. These systems are part of what Pakistan describes as its 'Full Spectrum Deterrence' posture against regional adversaries.
Cruise Missile Technology: Babur and Ra'ad Variants
Beyond ballistic systems, Pakistan has made substantial investments in cruise missile technology. The Babur series consists of ground-launched cruise missiles with ranges varying from 450 to 700 kilometers across different versions. These missiles are designed to fly at low altitudes to evade radar detection. For aerial strikes, Pakistan utilizes the Ra'ad series, an air-launched cruise missile with an estimated range of 350 to 600 kilometers. These cruise missiles provide the Pakistani military with the ability to conduct precision strikes against high-value targets.
Sea-Based Deterrence and Submarine-Launched Missiles
To ensure a credible second-strike capability and complete its nuclear triad, Pakistan has been developing sea-based missile systems. The Babur-3, a submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM), represents a critical milestone in this effort. It has a reported range of approximately 450 kilometers and is designed to be deployed from Agosta-class submarines. Intelligence reports suggest that Pakistan is also focusing on upgrading its existing platforms with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, which allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads to different targets.
Global Security Implications of the US Intelligence Assessment
The statement by Tulsi Gabbard places Pakistan's missile program under intense international scrutiny. By grouping Pakistan with nations like Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, the US intelligence community has signaled a shift in its threat perception. Analysts suggest that such high-level assessments influence international policy and defense strategies. While Pakistan maintains that its nuclear and missile programs are purely for defensive purposes and regional stability, the US warning highlights the potential for these technologies to reach intercontinental scales, impacting global strategic balances.