DYNAMICS OF PAKISTAN'S MISSILE PROGRAM: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY

Abstract

The introduction of nuclear arms into the national defense structures of Pakistan and India in 1998 has not brought an era of peace and stability as some analysts had predicted. Full-scale war was only barely evaded in 1999 and 2002. It is true that nuclea r weapons play an important role as deterrent but without any reliable nuclear delivery system the deterrence would be inadequate. Therefore, missile technology has been seen as the most important variant of today's modern warfare. As we know that missile technology could be use for both offense and defense purposes thus every nuclear or non-nuclear state specifically generates funds for the development of its missile program. The objective of this study is to understand the dynamics of Pakistan's missile program, particularly in the scenario when India is advancing its missile program for both offence and defense proposes. The article discusses the objective of Pakistan's missile program with capabilities and specific usage, proposes and importance on the concept of minimum deterrence for Pakistan. Within this context, the study also analyzes Pakistan's strategic thinking about the role of different missile series.