A few weeks ago, Pakistan had confirmed the successful test firing of a submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM), Babur-3, from an undisclosed location in the Indian Ocean. The Babur-3 missile was fired for the first time from an underwater, mobile platform and successfully hit its target.
While Pakistan rejoices the successful test firing of it SLCM, here in India, it is being lauded as a ‘fake’ claim.
First, Let’s Look at Features of Babur-3, According to Pakistani Media:
- With a range of 450km, the Babur-3 SLCM is a sea-based variant of ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) Babur-2.
- The current SLCM is equipped with latest technologies, which feature underwater controlled propulsion, and advanced guidance and navigation technologies that are duly upgraded by Global Navigation, Terrain and Scene Matching Systems.
- Babur-3 features terrain hugging and sea-skimming flight capabilities, as well as certain stealth technologies that allow the missile to evade hostile radars and air defences in ballistic missile defence (BMD) environment.
- The missile is equipped with technologies such as underwater controlled propulsion and advanced guidance and navigation, as well as global navigation, terrain and scene matching systems.
- In the land-attack mode, the Babur-3 missile is designed to be able to deliver a wide range of payloads, as well as enhance deterrence by offering a credible second strike capability to Pakistan.
The ‘Fake’ Funda:
According to an Indian defence expert, ‘Raj’, who claims to be a satellite imagery expert, Pakistan has released a ‘fake’ clip of the supposed test-launch. In a series of tweets, the expert questions the authenticity of the video.
In an interview with India Today, Colonel (retired) Vinayak Bhat who is an imagery expert said that the launch video that has been released by Pakistan seems to be computer generated. According to Bhat, the fact that the missile changes colour from white to orange is also questionable.
Also, recently a Chinese submarine has been spotted in Pakistani port with its Pakistan Navy. With these developments, is Pakistan trying to show its military prowess and relations with China to India? Or is it hinting at another major clash between the two countries?
