PAKISTANI MISSILES: EXPLAINING PROCUREMENT AND STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Missile Capabilities of Pakistan: An Inventory
3. Dynamics of Pakistan’s Missile Capability Build-Up: Origin and Evolution
4. Strategic Implications of Pakistani Missiles
5. Escalation and Intra-war Deterrence
6. Conclusion

PAKISTANI MISSILES: EXPLAINING PROCUREMENT AND STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

Author: Bhumitra Chakma

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2007v28n1a3

ABSTRACT

Pakistan, starting a missile development programme in the 1980s, is a significant missile force today. Its missile arsenal is composed of varied types of short and medium-range ballistic and cruise missile systems. They are both solid and liquid propellant and can carry conventional as well as non-conventional ammunitions. This paper analyses Pakistan’s missile procurement approach and strategic implications of Pakistani missiles. While the Pakistani missile programme was initiated as a corollary to its nuclear weapons programme, yet the strongest impetus for building a missile force came from its chief strategic rival, India. In building its missile capabilities, Pakistan had to overcome severe international constraints and relied heavily on clandestine procurement of appropriate technologies. The Pakistani missiles may be viewed to have strengthened Pakistani deterrent capability and has contributed to strategic stability between itself and India.

BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

Outline