Does Pakistan possess hypersonic missile technology?
Most of Pakistan’s existing missiles are either ballistic or cruise missiles.
When we talk about Pakistan’s weapons systems and missile technology, it would be accurate to say that Pakistan currently does not possess any hypersonic missiles.
Although Pakistan’s missile program is quite strong and balanced, there has not yet been any official announcement, demonstration, or successful test in the field of hypersonic technology.
Most of Pakistan’s existing missiles are either ballistic or cruise missiles, with speeds that are either supersonic (faster than the speed of sound but less than Mach 5) or subsonic (slower than the speed of sound).
Notable missiles include Shaheen-III, Ghauri, Abdali, Babur, and Ra’ad, which have impressive range and accuracy, and are considered vital components of Pakistan’s defense strategy. However, none of them fall under the category of hypersonic missiles.
Hypersonic missiles are those that travel at speeds of Mach 5 or above, meaning they fly at five times the speed of sound. These missiles are not only extremely fast but are also capable of maneuvering more intelligently compared to conventional missiles, making them very difficult to intercept with current defense systems.
On the global stage, countries like China, Russia, and the United States are actively working on or have already deployed hypersonic missiles. Russia’s Avangard and China’s DF-ZF are among the world’s most well-known hypersonic weapons.
India has also stepped into this field. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India conducted successful tests of the HSTDV (Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle) in 2020, indicating that India is seriously advancing in this area. However, India too does not yet possess a fully operational hypersonic missile.
Although there has been no official announcement from Pakistan regarding the development or research of hypersonic missiles, defense experts believe that, given the advancements made by India and China, Pakistan is likely conducting research in this direction. Hypersonic missiles are becoming a significant part of the future battlefield landscape, and it is essential for countries like Pakistan to maintain strategic balance.
In summary, Pakistan currently does not have any hypersonic missiles, but considering the evolving regional and global situation, it would not be surprising if Pakistan is working on or eventually adopts this technology, especially to strengthen and modernize its defense systems.