The Pakistan Navy recently announced a successful test of its "indigenously developed Ship-Launched Ballistic Missile" (SLBM), named the SMASH SLBM or P282. This new missile reportedly has a range of 350 km and can strike land and sea targets with precision.
Equipped with advanced navigation systems and maneuverability features, the SMASH SLBM also possesses anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, posing a potential threat to carrier groups and other strategic assets in the region.
However, Indian defence sources report that the Indian Navy has anticipated such developments and is actively enhancing its defensive capabilities with advanced interceptor technology.
Pakistani analysts suggest the SMASH SLBM is primarily designed to counter large naval formations, specifically targeting Indian aircraft carrier groups. Its precision targeting and advanced maneuverability enhance Pakistan's naval deterrence and expand its ability to deny access to its territorial waters.
While the SMASH SLBM represents a significant advancement in Pakistan's indigenous missile technology, a senior Indian Navy official assured that India has factored in these developments and is prepared to counter such threats.
The Indian Navy has already deployed its current generation of Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MR-SAM) on its warships, proven effective against supersonic and highly maneuverable missiles. Jointly developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries, the MR-SAM offers a defensive range of 90-100 kilometers.
To further bolster its naval defenses, the Indian Navy is developing a next-generation interceptor, the PGLRSAM. This advanced missile system is expected to significantly improve defensive range, with an interception capability exceeding 250 kilometers – more than double the current MR-SAM range.
Furthermore, the PGLRSAM is projected to achieve speeds of up to Mach 7, enabling it to intercept and neutralize a wider range of high-speed threats, including supersonic and hypersonic missiles. With these enhanced capabilities, the PGLRSAM is anticipated to engage and neutralize threats like the SMASH SLBM at a safe distance, effectively protecting Indian naval assets.
