Sir what I am wondering is that if we are developing a Ballistic Missile with let's assume will have 1500 KM range. Which Ship we have, or is coming which can carry and fire that kind of missile. Nobody is answering that question.
Why are we assuming it is a ship, No one knows the configuration of our new submarines. if it is a ballistic missile capability, it would make sense for it to be submarine launched, to augment our second strike capability, especially if as mentioned, it has an effective operational range of 1000km +. It would require just two silos. Russia has developed a cruise missile type launch Ballistic missile but that capability might be beyond us, but then again Its hard to say nowadays. No one thought we had a cruise missile capacity until it was tested in the open.
Somehow, I have a feeling the Jinnah class will be developed in two phases and two sizes, initial batch to get our procedures in order and step on the learning curve, and sufficient size to cement our EEZ operational capabilities, and possibly a second larger batch with true offensive capabilities in the 2030's.
The navy have used the same approach with the Yarmook class, they acquired two ships, built from commercial standards, discovered it meets the needs of the navy and gives the navy greater freedom and independence in fitting the vessels. Hence they have decided to go for larger order of 6 platforms of larger size, which gives them greater integration options.
Destroyers are expensive to build and operate, the navy seems to have made sensible choices so far, it seems illogical for the navy to jump into the destroyer category right away. We still have to develop our operational strategies with the larger surface fleet, operational requirements change. So, it is not a case of get ship, operate ship and woohoo we have a world class navy.
An operationally effective navy, with a force we can afford makes more sense.
@Quwa
