On March 7, 2016, India test fired K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) fueling an arms race in the sub-continent. The K-4 SLBM was launched from INS Arihant, which is said to be an indigenously developed nuclear-powered submarine, though with the help of Russia. According to reports, the test was conducted with full operational configuration. The missile is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads with a strike range of up to 3,500km. As a result of this test India acquired second strike capability, which allows the host to absorb the adversary’s first strike and still be able to hit back. The most efficient second strike comes from submerged platforms like the submarine, which operates underwater and can remain undetected. In response to this, to restore the balance of power in the region on 9th January 2017, Pakistan tested Babur III ballistic missile from deep sea to surface assuring credible second strike capability. This enabled Pakistan to deter enemy from surface, Sea and air. While, Pakistan first nuclear strike capability remained intact, Pakistan once again achieved a balance status in South Asia which was disturbed by India with testing of different Missile; K-4 from sea to achieve second strike capability in March 2016, testing Agni IV having a 4500 Kilometer range and Agni V which can target an object at 5500 kilometers. According to Indian claims Agni IV is meant to hit a target in North China but Agni V range has a disclosed range of 5500Km to which China added that Agni V can hit a target up to 8000 kilometers. This range covers whole of Europe and even USA. In line of full spectrum of deterrence, Pakistan has tested Ababeel Missile on 24th January 2017 based on Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. Ababeel missile is capable of delivering multiple warheads, using the MIRV technology. Ababeel is capable of delivering nuclear warheads and has the capability to engage multiple targets with high precision, defeating the enemy’s hostile radars. This time Pakistan showed latest technology capability in MIRV through firing and hitting the target with precision up to 2200 Kilometers. Ababeel missile is a bucket of missiles firing from the air targets in multiple directions and each one capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Being a Cruise missile, it knows the targets and neutralizes the Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) of India. On Thursday, March 29 2018, Pakistan navy conducted successful test of Babur SLBM. This was developed indigenously and was fired from a dynamic underwater platform. Babur IV is a sub-marine launched cruise missile (SLCM) which has a range of around 450km and it engaged its target with precise accuracy while satisfying all flight parameters. This test effectively confirms Pakistan’s second strike capability as this SLCM is capable of carrying payloads including nuclear warhead. SLCM Babur incorporates state-of-the-art technologies such as navigation features, underwater controlled propulsion and advanced guidance. In the wake of Indian war mongering and its bullying relations with its neighbors, this initiative has helped in restoring balance in the region. India has made its hegemonic designs very clear from time to time and is doing everything in its power to de-stabilize the region. Indian efforts to rapidly nuclearize the Indian Ocean imply that their only intention is to establish Indian hegemony, something which Pakistan cannot allow. India under the Modi regime, without any provocation, has started an all out war campaign against Pakistan. Their sharp increase in their defense budget and reckless purchase of military equipment from the western world, induction and production of nuclear submarine and tests of ship borne nuclear missiles has made most of its neighbors un-easy as a result drastic steps are being taken to maintain a credible deterrence and uphold the balance of power. Apart from this Indian atrocities in Kashmir and their constant violations of the line of control has compelled Pakistan to take all necessary steps to keep India in check. Test fire of SLCM Babur is in response to these measures taken by India. Babur SLCM confirms Pakistan’s second strike capability while staying true to our India only minimum deterrence nuclear doctrine.
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