Well-known global weapons assessment think tank, IISS, in its analysis by Antoine Levesques examines Pakistan’s testing of Ababeel missile on October 18, 2023. The analysis calls the test flight a significant step in its pursuit of a MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) capability. This technology allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads, making it harder to defend against. A summary:
Key Points:
First MIRV test in South Asia: Ababeel becomes the first missile in the region designed for MIRV, though the test’s success in deploying multiple warheads remains unclear.
Deterrence against India’s missile shield: Pakistan claims this enhances nuclear deterrence, as MIRVs could bypass India’s developing missile defenses like the S-400 system.
Concerns about regional stability: Critics argue MIRVs could destabilize the region and trigger an arms race with India, which is also working on its own MIRV capability.
Test details: Launched from the Sakhi Sarwar range in Punjab, the test notified India beforehand as per protocol. The missile’s range is estimated to be less than its maximum 2,200 km.
Development stage: While successful, Ababeel remains under development and not yet deployed. Integrating MIRVs and additional fissile material for warheads might be needed for deployment.
Context:
This test comes after India’s acquisition of S-400 missile defense systems, posing a challenge to Pakistan’s existing missiles.
For full report see –https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/missile-dialogue-initiative/2023/10/pakistan-missile-test-confirms-its-mirv-ambitions/?s=03