The US Department of State stated that one of the sanctioned groups, the National Development Complex in Islamabad, was involved in obtaining materials for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme, which includes the Shaheen 3 missile.
Pakistan has criticized the recent US sanctions on its ballistic missile programme, calling them unfair. The sanctions freeze any US assets owned by the targeted businesses and prevent Americans from doing business with them. Pakistan claims that these US measures would threaten peace and security in the region.
On Thursday (December 19), Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying the sanctions could seriously affect stability in the region and beyond. Later on Thursday, a senior White House official stated that Pakistan was working on long-range ballistic missile capabilities that could eventually enable it to hit targets beyond South Asia, including in the US.
The US Department of State stated that one of the sanctioned groups, the National Development Complex in Islamabad, was involved in obtaining materials for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme, which includes the Shaheen series of missiles. The other groups that have been embargoed include Akhtar and Sons Pvt. Ltd, Affiliates International and Rockside Enterprise.
The latest US sanctions were announced months after similar actions were taken against other foreign entities, including a Chinese research institute. The US State Department accused these groups of collaborating with the National Development Complex, which, it claims, is involved in developing and producing Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missiles.
Pakistan also questioned US claims that the targeted businesses were involved in spreading weapons. The statement claimed that past sanctions were based on mere doubts and suspicions, without any real evidence. It also accused the US of having ‘double standards’ by allowing other countries to bypass licensing requirements for advanced military technology.
Pakistan officially became a nuclear power in 1998 when it conducted underground nuclear tests in response to similar tests by India. Since then, both countries have frequently tested their short-, medium- and long-range missiles. It is estimated that Pakistan has around 170 nuclear warheads at present.
RISING THREAT TO THE US
Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer, according to Al-Jazeera, told the audience at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace that it was difficult to view Pakistan’s actions as anything other than an increasing threat to their country. He added that Pakistan had built more state-of-the-art missile technologies, including long-range ballistic missile systems and equipment, which would allow it to test much larger rocket engines. If this trend continued, Finer said, Pakistan would be capable of hitting targets way beyond South Asia, including those in the US.
Media reports indicate that the Shaheen-III, which was first tested in March 2015, is Pakistan’s longest-range missile and is crucial to Pakistan’s second-strike nuclear capability. This project was secretly started in the early-2000s in response to India’s Agni-III missile. With an estimated range of 2,750 kilometres, the Shaheen-III has in its ambit regions in India’s North-East, besides the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is reported that the Shaheen-III can hit targets as far away as Israel in just 12 minutes. Former Lt-Gen. (retd) Ghulam Mustafa also states that the missile travels 18 times faster than the speed of sound, according to Business Standard.
The Shaheen-III, the largest missile in the Shaheen series, replaces the Shaheen-I and Shaheen-II ballistic missiles. On March 26, 2022, Pakistan successfully tested the Shaheen-1A, a surface-to-surface missile that reached an altitude of 900 kilometres.
INDIA’S ROBUST DEFENCE
India’s missile defence system is well-prepared to handle the threat from Pakistan’s Shaheen-III missile. It features a multi-layered approach, including the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) for intercepting missiles at high altitudes and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) for lower altitudes. These systems are supported by a network of early warning radars and command posts that help coordinate defence efforts.
The Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme further enhances India’s capabilities with advanced interceptors designed to neutralize fast-moving missiles. This programme can intercept missiles launched from distances of up to 5,000 km, ensuring that India is ready to face the challenges posed by the Shaheen-III missile.
Together, these systems create a comprehensive shield that helps protect India’s territory and maintain stability in the region.
INDIA: STEP AHEAD OF PAK
India has developed missiles that surpass Pakistan’s Shaheen-III in technology. One of the most notable ones is the Agni-V, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of about 5,000-5,500 kilometres. The Agni-V can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, giving India a versatile and strong defence against potential threats. This three-stage missile uses solid fuel, allowing it to reach speeds of up to Mach 24. Its advanced guidance system, featuring an inertial navigation system with a ring laser gyroscope, ensures it can strike targets accurately within 30 metres.
India has also developed the Agni-IV, which has a range of around 3,500 kilometres and is designed to carry nuclear warheads. It incorporates advanced technology for better accuracy and guidance. Together, these missiles, along with India’s comprehensive missile defence system, provide a robust defence capability, ensuring that the nation is well-prepared to counter such threats as the Shaheen-III.
(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
