According to recent assessments by U.S. officials, Pakistan is working on long-range ballistic missile capabilities that would enable it to attack American targets. Pakistan’s missile technological developments, especially in long-range systems and larger rocket motors, raise serious questions about its military goals outside of South Asia, said Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer.
According to recent U.S. assessments, Pakistan may develop intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities that might reach U.S. targets if current trends continue, which raises questions about its strategic intentions.
In the past, Pakistan and China have worked together on missile technology, taking advantage of Chinese developments. But with a vast arsenal of conventional and nuclear missiles that can reach targets anywhere in the world, China’s missile capabilities greatly outstrip Pakistan’s.
Although Pakistan’s missile technology is improving significantly, particularly in reaction to India’s developments, it still lags behind India in terms of technological sophistication and range. The current events point to an arms race dynamic in South Asia that is mostly driven by the need for deterrence against enemies and worries about regional security.
With its estimated 2,750-kilometer range, this missile may be able to hit targets throughout most of South Asia and possibly beyond.
With an estimated 2,300-kilometer range, this medium-range ballistic missile will increase Pakistan’s reach even more.
There are also plans to construct another medium-range missile with a range of roughly 2,200 kilometers.
With a 600-kilometer range, the Ra’ad-II is an example of Pakistan’s cruise missile technical breakthroughs, which are intended to improve attack capabilities against India, a regional foe. Defense specialists assert that the Ra’ad is a reverse-engineered Denel Torgos cruise missile, which is based in South Africa. Based on the fundamental information and design specifications acquired via a TOT agreement with Denel, Pakistan spent eight years developing the design before producing the Ra’ad missile in 2007.
According to the U.S. intelligence community, if Pakistan’s missile development continues on its current course, it may soon be able to attack regions far beyond its customary focus on India. The strategic goals of Pakistan and its possible position as a new threat to American security interests are “real questions” raised by this change. In response, the Biden administration has placed sanctions on organizations engaged in Pakistan’s missile development program, demonstrating how seriously Washington takes these developments.
Although Pakistan’s present missile systems are not currently able to hit the continental United States, further development of their ballistic missile technology with assistance from China may eventually result in such capabilities. U.S. defense officials keep a careful eye on the situation, which is still fluid, as
