Pakistan is gearing up to introduce its most advanced warship to date—theindigenously designed *Jinnah-class* frigate. Built under Pakistan’slong-term naval modernization program, the Jinnah-class represents a majorleap forward in the country’s shipbuilding capabilities. With adisplacement of approximately 3,500 to 4,000 tons, the frigate is expectedto perform multi-role missions including anti-ship, anti-submarine, and airdefense operations. It is based on the Turkish MILGEM design butsignificantly modified by Pakistani engineers to meet local operationalneeds.
Verified reports indicate the ship will be equipped with the *SMASH*missile system—an indigenous supersonic anti-ship ballistic missiledeveloped with assistance from China. SMASH travels at around Mach 2.5 andhas a range of up to 350 kilometers, making it a formidable weapon in theIndian Ocean region. Although powerful, the missile does not meet thetechnical threshold for hypersonic weapons, which typically exceed speedsof Mach 5.
The SMASH missile was successfully test-fired in November 2024 from aZulfiquar-class frigate, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan’sNavy. The missile’s speed, combined with its ability to execute terminalmaneuvers and dive vertically onto targets, enhances Pakistan’santi-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities. Defense analysts havecompared SMASH to China’s CM-401 missile, which follows a similar designand purpose.
The development of the Jinnah-class warship is part of Pakistan’s broaderpush to modernize its naval fleet amid growing strategic competition in theIndian Ocean. The country has already inducted advanced Chinese-made Type054A/P frigates and continues to enhance its ship-based firepower. Theaddition of the SMASH missile-equipped Jinnah-class vessel willsignificantly boost Pakistan’s deterrence posture, especially againstregional adversaries.
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SMASH missile gives the Pakistan Navy a new dimension of strike capabilityfrom sea. It also symbolizes increasing technological self-reliance instrategic weapons development. For now, the Jinnah-class frigate is poisedto become one of the most capable warships in South Asia, offering a blendof modern design, indigenous innovation, and powerful weaponry thatreflects Pakistan’s growing ambitions on the high seas.