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SMASH Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile
The Pakistan Navy’s (PN) SMASH (an acronym for ‘Supersonic Missile Anti-SHip’) is an indigenously developed anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). It has a stated range of 350 km.
The SMASH may be an important piece of the PN’s anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) strategy, an organized effort to prevent adversaries – like the Indian Navy (IN) – from freely operating in Pakistan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Recent advancements have introduced a new Bakhtar Shikan Fire-and-Forget (BS FF) variant, which incorporates either a semi-active laser-homing (SALH) or imaging infrared (IIR) seeker.
Design Background of the SMASH ASBM
The development of the SMASH missile is part of Pakistan’s broader initiative to modernize its naval forces and build a diverse arsenal of advanced missile systems.
Initially thought to be a supersonic-cruising anti-ship missile similar to the CM-302 or BrahMos, the SMASH has been confirmed as an ASBM. The missile was test-fired from a Zulfiquar-class (F-22P) multi-mission frigate, highlighting its adaptability to existing naval platforms.
The design of SMASH shows similarities with the GIDS Fatah-II ballistic missile, suggesting a shared technological framework and, potentially, standardized inputs across Pakistan’s new missile systems. Interestingly, the SMASH coincides with a broader push in the Pakistani military to deploy new guided ballistic missiles as part of its conventional attack posture.
SMASH ASBM Specifications
- Maximum Range: 350 km
- Length: TBC
- Warhead: TBC
- Diameter: TBC
- Guidance: TBC (possibly satellite-aided inertial navigation with IIR or ARH seeker)
Key Capabilities of the SMASH ASBM
Long-Range Reach
With its range of 350 kilometers, the SMASH missile significantly boosts the Pakistan Navy’s A2/AD capabilities. It serves as a strategic deterrent by extending the reach of Pakistan’s maritime forces, enabling them to effectively counter potential threats in the Indian Ocean.
Versatile Platform Adaptability
The deployment of the SMASH from the Zulfiquar-class (F-22P) frigate indicates that the PN could configure ASBM capabilities across both surface warships and land-based systems.
It is not known if the SMASH could be deployed from air or sub-surface platforms. However, it seems the PN is working towards an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) capability in the form of the P282, which the PN leadership originally said would be a hypersonic ASBM. The P282 will be configured onto several new PN platforms, including the Jinnah-class frigate and Sea Sultan maritime patrol aircraft.
High-Speed Engagement
The SMASH is the PN’s second operational supersonic anti-ship missile, following the Chinese CM-302 supersonic-cruising missile acquired alongside the Tughril-class (Type 054A/P) frigate. In one sense, the SMASH adds to the variability of the PN’s anti-ship capabilities, adding to the sub-sonic-cruising missiles as well as the CM-302. This could be part of a broader measure to stress or overcome the IN’s integrated air defence capabilities by forcing it to contend with different types of threats.
