BY: Qaiser Bashir Makhdoom
*Islamabad —* Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the revivalof an indigenous ballistic missile defense (BMD) system named *“SudarshanChakra”*, with an ambitious target of full deployment by 2035. The project,originally conceived in 1995 by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and pursued under DRDOchief Dr. Vijay Saraswat (2009–2013), aims to shield India from potentialaerial threats posed by Pakistan and China.*The Two-Phase Indian Plan*
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*Phase I*: Interception of ballistic missiles up to 2,000 km range — explicitly covering Pakistan’s missile arsenal. –
*Phase II*: Interception of threats up to 5,000 km — aimed at countering China. –
The system will also reportedly be designed to neutralize drones, aircraft, and cruise missiles.
Defense analysts warn that the Indian announcement could destabilize SouthAsia’s fragile strategic balance, reducing the threshold for escalation inany future crisis.——————————*Threats to Pakistan’s Strategic Deterrent*
For Pakistan, the immediate concern is that India’s BMD shield — ifsuccessful — could undermine the credibility of its nuclear deterrence byintercepting missiles before they reach targets. Although many expertsdoubt India’s ability to deploy a fully effective multilayered shield by2035, the project signals New Delhi’s long-term intent to neutralizePakistan’s missile advantage.
Key challenges for Pakistan:
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*Reduced credibility of deterrence:* If India gains interception capability against medium-range missiles, Pakistan’s current arsenal may be less effective. –
*Potential arms race:* India’s pursuit of missile defense will likely push Pakistan to develop countermeasures and expand its missile stockpile. –
*Technological escalation:* The race could spill over into hypersonics, cyber warfare, and directed-energy weapons.
——————————*Pakistan’s Countermeasures and Options*
Pakistan has already responded by establishing a *dedicated Army RocketForce Command* with technical assistance from China. Moving forward,experts suggest Pakistan should focus on the following countermeasures:
1.
*Development of Hypersonic Missiles* –
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Hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) and hypersonic cruise missiles can penetrate BMD systems due to their extreme speed (Mach 5+) and maneuverability. –
Collaboration with China could accelerate indigenous programs. 2.
*Advancement in MIRV Technology* –
Expanding Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) capabilities in missiles like *Ababeel* to overwhelm Indian defenses. 3.
*Electronic & Cyber Warfare* –
Deploying jamming, decoys, and cyber tools to disable or confuse India’s radar and tracking systems. 4.
*Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs)* –
Investing in high-energy laser and microwave weapons as counter-BMD measures, in parallel with missile development. 5.
*Expansion of Cruise Missile Arsenal* –
Enhancing low-altitude, terrain-hugging cruise missiles (*Babur* series) which are harder to detect and intercept compared to ballistic trajectories. 6.
*Strategic Partnerships* –
Deeper military-technical cooperation with China and potentially Russia to access advanced missile and defense technologies.
——————————*Regional Implications*
India’s BMD revival could mark the beginning of a *new missile arms race*in South Asia. While New Delhi emphasizes national security, Islamabadviews the project as destabilizing, forcing Pakistan to pursue advancedcounter-systems.
Defense observers believe the region is entering an era where *hypersonic,AI-driven, and space-based warfare systems* will dominate strategicplanning. For Pakistan, ensuring the credibility of its deterrent whileavoiding unsustainable costs will be the central challenge.