Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, economically struggling Pakistan has sought to project military strength by announcing a fresh test of an indigenous anti-ship missile, raising questions over its strategic priorities.
Despite facing persistent financial instability and reliance on external bailouts, Islamabad has highlighted the missile test as a demonstration of its defence capabilities. Military claims suggest the system is capable of long-range, high-precision strikes, though such assertions remain independently unverified.
Islamabad: The Pakistan Navy on Thursday claimed to have successfully tested a locally developed ship-launched anti-ship missile, designed to engage targets at extended ranges with accuracy.
In a statement, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), described the missile as equipped with a “state-of-the-art” guidance system and advanced manoeuvrability. It asserted that the weapon can evade threats, adapt to dynamic conditions, and strike with precision — claims often made in official releases but rarely subjected to external scrutiny.
“The Pakistan Navy successfully conducted a test of an indigenously developed, ship-launched anti-ship missile, which accurately hit its target at long range and high speed,” the statement said.
The military further stated that the launch reflects the integration of “technological excellence and operational expertise”, even as analysts point to Pakistan’s continued dependence on foreign defence technology and assistance.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the test along with senior scientists and engineers. The missile had reportedly undergone an earlier test in November last year.
ISPR also claimed that the weapon system is capable of striking both maritime and land-based targets with “exceptional precision”, though independent verification of these capabilities remains limited.
