On
April 16, 2026, the Pakistan Navy successfully conducted a live weapon firing of an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-ship missile. The test, witnessed by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and senior scientists, demonstrated the missile's ability to engage targets at an
extended range with high speed and precision.
Key Missile Capabilities
The tested weapon system represents a significant step in Pakistan’s defense self-reliance, integrating the following features:
- Precision and Lethality: Accurately engaged a target at an undisclosed "extended range" during the firing.
- Advanced Guidance: Equipped with a cutting-edge guidance system and advanced maneuverability, allowing it to evade enemy threats and adapt to dynamic maritime conditions.
- Strategic Deterrence: According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the test underscores Pakistan's commitment to maintaining credible sea-based deterrence and ensuring regional maritime security.
Context of Recent Developments
This latest test follows several major milestones in Pakistan's naval and missile modernization efforts:
- SMASH Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM): Earlier, on November 25, 2025, Pakistan successfully tested the SMASH (also referred to as P282), a hypersonic-capable ship-launched ballistic missile with a range of approximately 350 km.
- Babur Cruise Missile Series: Pakistan continues to refine its Babur cruise missile family, including the Harbah (a non-nuclear anti-ship variant) and the Babur-1B, which has an enhanced range of over 900 km.
- Taimoor ALCM: On January 3, 2026, the Pakistan Air Force also tested the Taimoor, an air-launched cruise missile capable of hitting sea targets from up to 600 km.
Source : Radio Pakistan