Pakistan’s claim of a successful “ship-launched anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM)” test has generated considerable buzz, but a closer look reveals significant discrepancies between official statements and amplified online narratives. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed a test of an “indigenously developed” missile engaging targets precisely, but offered minimal technical data.
Following the announcement, numerous pro-Pakistan online portals and social media accounts aggressively promoted the missile, dubbing it a Mach-8 hypersonic “carrier-killer” with an immense 700–850 km range, specifically targeting India’s INS Vikrant. This portrayal was often supported by doctored videos, amplifying claims far beyond the official ISPR release.
Historical context is crucial. In late 2024, Pakistan revealed the P282 SMASH, a ship-launched ballistic missile with an estimated 350 km range, potentially based on the Chinese CM-401. This was presented as a coastal defense system, a stark contrast to the current hypersonic imagery.
The recent test, however, has not been accompanied by any verified specifications. No range, speed, seeker information, or confirmed launch platform has been provided by official Pakistani sources. Independent defense analysts have yet to corroborate claims of extended range or hypersonic speeds made by some foreign defense publications.
The core issue remains the lack of verifiable data. The ISPR’s video lacks telemetry, and official sources have not substantiated the extraordinary capabilities being circulated online. The SMASH system’s documented variant is still the shorter-range version from last year.
Beyond the missile itself, the effectiveness of an ASBM hinges on a complex sensor-to-shooter link. This requires extensive maritime surveillance infrastructure, including satellites and real-time data relays, to track maneuvering targets at long distances. Pakistan’s current maritime domain awareness appears limited to coastal radars and airborne assets, with no evidence of the sustained tracking capability needed to engage a carrier group hundreds of kilometers offshore.
This announcement comes at a time when the Indian Navy demonstrated significant operational reach in the Arabian Sea. The INS Vikrant is part of a heavily defended battle group, boasting advanced air defense systems like Barak-8 missiles and MF-STAR radar, supported by escort vessels and submarines. India is also developing new naval interceptors poised to counter advanced ballistic threats, making Pakistan’s claims even more questionable in their strategic context.