Pakistan test-fires first submarine cruise missile Babur-3

Babur-3 is a sea-based variant of ground launched cruise missile Babur-2, which was successfully tested earlier in December last.

Babur-3 incorporates state-of-the-art technologies including underwater controlled propulsion and advanced guidance and navigation features, duly augmented by Global Navigation, Terrain and Scene Matching Systems.

The missile features terrain hugging and sea skimming flight capabilities to evade hostile radars and air defenses, in addition to certain stealth technologies, in an emerging regional Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) environment.

Babur-3 in land-attack mode is capable of delivering various types of payloads and will provide Pakistan with a Credible Second Strike Capability, augmenting deterrence. Successful attainment of a second strike capability is a manifestation of the strategy of measured response to nuclear strategies and postures being adopted in Pakistan’s neighborhood.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat and three services chiefs congratulated all the officials involved, on achieving this highly significant milestone.

He also highlighted that successful test-fire of the missile also demonstrates confidence on our scientists and engineers in fostering the technological prowess, through indigenization and self-reliance.

Pakistan eyes this hallmark development as a step towards reinforcing policy of credible minimum deterrence.