Critical evaluation of Pak second strike capability
IN the great international power politics, nuclear weapons have repudiated the concept of real wars.
Instead, it focuses on upgrading state capabilities to deter the adversary state from the consequences of first strike.
Second strike capacity is the capacity of a state to answer an atomic assault through an atomic counter.
However, the credibility of a second strike is attained when the adversary state accepts that attacking will eventually result in massive retaliation in the form of punishment and not in the form of defence.
Statistical analysis of Pakistan second strike capability: Recently, Pakistan with Turkey is manufacturing the Babur-3rd class guided missile heavy corvette.
The two submarines in Istanbul and two in Karachi are being built under the joint agreement of MILGEM with Pakistan.
The Babus-3rd class is a multi-mission submarine equipped for anti-ship and as well as anti-air warfare with 9,300 kilometer range.
The launch of this missile urged Pakistan to compete with the Indian Agni-V ballistic missile which has an official range of 8000 kilometer.
This is a great instant boost in Pakistan’s second strike capability including upgradation to continental, aerospace and maritime security dimensions.
Babur Cruise Missile is another medium range turbojet engine Pakistan missile with a range of 900 kilometer (2021 model) which is rocket-powered throughout the journey as compared to ballistic missiles which are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
Babur Missile is equipped with high level direction control and ultra speed abilities to avoid unfriendly radars and air guards. However, right now, Pakistan does not have an atomic controlled submarine.
Nuclear powered Ballistic Submarine (SSBN) is especially designed for long range rockets and holds the capacity to be immersed under water for longer time and cannot be recognised by radars and projectors.
India has SSBN, as on account of its Arihant class submarines, alongside atomic controlled long range rockets, which give it guaranteed second-strike capability.
Pakistan, over the long haul, should attempt to overcome the threats from SSBN, to enhance its second strike capability against one of India’s most powerful weapons.
Traditional submarines have to rise to the top once in a while and that makes them incompatible for long and precise attacks.
Conclusion: Since, the actual war is being replaced by war on paper and to compete with arch-rival India, Pakistan should enhance its second strike capability even more.
The nuclear mass destruction (NMD) weapons are being prepared to keep the adversary away from first strike.
