Shaheen II test-fire: Reassuring Pakistan's Deterrence
The recent missile test is meant to boost public morale.
[ZAFAR NAWAZ JASPAL]

On March 9, 2004 Pakistan successfully test-fired its most advanced missile-Shaheen II, capable of delivering a nuclear warhead deep inside its adversary. According to the Pakistani official's statement the missile has a range of 2,500 kilometres, meaning it could easily hit Bombay, New Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur and other major Indian cities. The timing seemed more linked to internal Pakistani nuclear related developments and India's purchase of sophisticated weaponry from Israel. Many Pakistanis feel that the involvement of the Pakistani scientists in the underworld nuclear network and on February 29, 2004 Israel's security cabinet finalization of the US$1.1 billion sale of the Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)-one of the world's most sophisticated long-range warning and control systems-to India carries strategic risks that are not inconsequential for Pakistan's defence.

In his February 2004 news conference, President Pervez Musharraf reiterated that Pakistan's minimum nuclear deterrence policy should not be altered at any cost and he also announced plans to test-fire Shaheen II in the near future. However, some Pakistani security analysts expressed their apprehensions that Islamabad might roll back its nuclear programme under pressure from the West. The Shaheen II test not only enhanced Pakistan's capability to strike deep in India alone, but it also refuted the baseless speculations in the domestic politics of Pakistan that the present government is compromising on its nuclear deterrence. By testing Shaheen II, the government made it clear that it wants to continue to pursue its deterrence capability. It's an indication that Pakistan's nuclear weapons capable delivery system's programme is moving forward....more
Read viewer comments

Pakistan Test Fires Shaheen - II The Nuclear capable long range Missile
Pakistan's new long range missile and its implications.
[MUHAMMAD IRSHAD]

On March 9, 2004, Pakistan announced the successful test firing of its latest nuclear capable long rang missile- Shaheen-II (Also called Hataf VI), bringing entire India within its striking range. The Chairman national Engineering and Scientific Commission, Dr Samar Mubarikmand, has said that the Shaheen-II, covered the distance of 1800 kilometers only in 15 minutes and hit the target in Indian ocean. He said the weight of this missile was 26 tons and the two stage missile was completely prepared by the scientists and engineers of NESCOM who deserved a lot of appreciation. According to information provided to India and other “key” countries in the region, the missile was to be test fired between March 6 and 9. Pakistan opted to test the missile on the last day.

President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali have congratulated all personnel involve in the development and launching of the “indigenously” built Missile System. Vice-Chief of the Army staff, General Mohammad Yousaf, congratulating on the successful test firing of the solid fuel, two stage missile with 2500 kilometers designated range said, “There should be no doubt that Shaheen -II test fire demonstrated our will to forward roll our ongoing programme with full speed”. American spokesman conveyed “an exercise of restrain” and “No comments” from India were very conspicuous. Japan conveyed regrets in no hidden words. Japan said “It is regrettable that Pakistan conducted a ballistic missile test, despite efforts by the international community for the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. The Japanese government hopes that the tests will not bring about a negative effect on the positive development between India and Pakistan toward improving their relations. The statement also called on Pakistan to “respond sincerely” to the international community's non-proliferation efforts.....more
Read viewer comments

India's war doctrine: “Cold Start”-implications for its neighbours?
The implications of India's new war doctrine for Pakistan and China.
[Gp Capt (Retd) S M HALI]