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Pakistan Navy Announces ‘SMASH’ Ship-Launched ASBM Test as Analysts Dispute Ballistic Claim

Independent assessments challenge the characterization based on launch footage and on gaps in Pakistan’s targeting infrastructure.

Overview

  • Pakistan’s Navy says it conducted a November 25 test of the indigenously designated P-282 “SMASH,” observed by the Chief of the Naval Staff and senior program personnel.
  • Official messaging describes a guided weapon for maritime and land strikes with terminal maneuvering, while Pakistani sources have previously cited a range near 350 km.
  • Footage released from PNS Tippu Sultan shows an inclined-deck launch, which outside analysis argues is consistent with a cruise-missile-style firing rather than a vertical ballistic launch.
  • Analysts also question ship and system feasibility for a true ASBM, noting the frigate’s existing launch architecture and the absence of visible modifications for hot ballistic launches.
  • Skeptics highlight the lack of independent detection of a ballistic trajectory and point to missing long-range ISR and real-time targeting networks, as ISPR’s latest statement provided few technical details.