Pakistan tests first submarine launched missile

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday test fired what the military said its first submarine launched cruise missile from an undisclosed location in the Indian Ocean.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), media wing of the army, the missile was fired from an underwater, mobile platform and hit its target with precise accuracy.

Babur-3 is a sea-based variant of Ground Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM) Babur-2, which was successfully tested in December last year.

"Babur-3 SLCM incorporates state of the art technologies including underwater controlled propulsion and advanced guidance and navigation features, duly augmented by Global Navigation, Terrain and Scene Matching Systems. The missile features terrain hugging and sea skimming flight capabilities to evade hostile radars and air defenses, in addition to certain stealth technologies, in an emerging regional Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) environment," read the statement.

It said that Babur-3 SLCM in land-attack mode, is capable of delivering various types of payloads and will provide Pakistan with a Credible Second Strike Capability, augmenting deterrence.

The army said with the successful attainment of a second strike capability, Pakistan represents a major scientific milestone as "it is manifestation of the strategy of measured response to nuclear strategies and postures being adopted in Pakistan’s neighborhood".

The test was witnessed by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, DG Strategic Plans Division (SPD) Lieutenant General Mazhar Jamil, Commander Naval Strategic Force Command (NSFC), senior officials, scientists and engineers from Scientific Strategic Organizations.

The CJCSC and three services chiefs congratulated all the officials involved, on achieving this highly significant milestone. He also highlighted that successful test fire of SLCM also demonstrates confidence on  scientists and engineers in fostering the technological prowess, through indigenization and self-reliance. "Pakistan eyes this hallmark development as a step towards reinforcing policy of credible minimum deterrence," the ISPR said.

Military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor posted a video of the missile launch on Twitter. 

#Pakistan successfully test fired first Submarine launched Cruise Missile Babur-3. Rg 450 Km. #COAS congrats Nation and the team involved. pic.twitter.com/YRNei5oF65

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) January 9, 2017

CJCSC Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval Staff also congratulate Nation and the team on land mark achievement.

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) January 9, 2017

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister  Nawaz Sharif also congratulated nation on successful test fire of Babur-3.

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif congratulate Nation and the team on successful test fire of Babur-3.

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) January 9, 2017