Pakistan Tests Cruise Missile from Underwater Platform

Pakistan tested a cruise missile from an underwater dynamic platform mimicking a submarine-launch yesterday.

This was the second successful test of the indigenously developed Submarine Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) Babur having a range of 450 km. The missile was fired from an underwater dynamic platform, which successfully engaged its target with precise accuracy; meeting all the flight parameters, an official release said.

SLCM Babur is capable of delivering various types of payloads and incorporates state of the art technologies including underwater controlled propulsion, advanced guidance and navigation features. SLCM Babur provides Pakistan credible second-strike capability, augmenting the existing deterrence regime.

Pakistan's response to provocative nuclear strategies and posture being pursued in the neighborhood through induction of nuclear submarines and ship-borne nuclear missiles; leading to nuclearization of Indian Ocean Region. Pakistan eyes this landmark development as a step towards reinforcing the policy of Credible Minimum Deterrence through indigenization and self-reliance.

A Pakistan based defense website commented that the test may have been done using a specially-made system. In 2010, MBDA had built an “instrumented model” of its SCALP Naval SLCM to test-fire the missile from underwater “replicating submarine launch conditions.” Perhaps Pakistan has used a similar system.

Pakistan current Agosta 90B submarines cannot launch missiles as they are undergoing an upgrade and new subs ordered from China are yet to come.