IS PAKISTAN DEVELOPING A NAVAL LAUNCH SYSTEM?

[nadeemkhan110]

A Russian Navy Buyan-M class corvette firing a Kalibr LACM
Bilal Khan
IS PAKISTAN DEVELOPING A NAVAL LAUNCH SYSTEM?
In its latest annual publication, the Pakistan Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) disclosed that the Directorate General of Munitions Production (DGMP) was tasked with “the indigenous developing of [one] ship-borne system with [one] Land Attack Missile and [one] Anti ship Missile.” Development of this system is scheduled for completion by October 2018.

Comment and Analysis

It is not clear exactly what the DGMP had been tasked with developing, but it could be an indication of a naval launch system. If it is a launcher, then it will not literally carry both an anti-ship missile (AShM) and land attackcruise missile (LACM) simultaneously, but be long and wide enough to carry either kind. In the Pakistan Navy’s case, that would mean developing a launch system compatible for the Babur LACM and C-802 AShM.

As for the purpose of this system, it is not clear if by “shipborne” the MoDP is referring to surface warships or to surface warships and submarines. Specifics of this program notwithstanding, it is certain that the Pakistan Navy is seeking to build a deterrence capability, and submarines – such as the eight ships recently ordered from China – will serve a central role in that regard. One could reasonably speculate that DGMP’s naval program could be in reference to the Pakistan Navy’s forthcoming submarines.

The alternative idea would be in reference to a surface warship, such as frigates and/or corvettes. While not impossible, this is unlikely to be the case. Granted, Pakistan could draw in inspiration from Russia’s method of arming relatively lightweight surface combatants – such as corvettes – with LACMs.

When it militarily entered Syria in 2015, Russia deployed its Caspian Sea Fleet to launch 3M54 Klub/Kalibr LACMs. With a displacement of less than 1000 tons, the Buyan M is capable of launching Kalibr-NK LACMs using on-board vertical launch system (VLS) cells.

It does not appear that the Pakistan Navy is planning to utilize its surface warships (the latest of which are anti-submarine warfare capable Zulfiqar-class frigates) for deterrence purposes.

The sole workhorse of the Navy’s nuclear deterrence force will likely be comprised of conventional submarines. With the purported value of its purchase from China being $4-5 billion U.S., and the inherent low-detectability and low-observability advantages of conventional submarines, one would expect to see Pakistan prioritize a sub-surface deterrence element above that of surface ships. In-house development of the launch system – torpedo tubes in the case of submarines – would comfortably align with this idea.

The October 2018 deadline will also overlap with the submarine acquisition from China. While it is not known when these submarines will enter production, it is possible, if not likely, that only a portion of the forthcoming eight submarines will be equipped for the deterrence role. The batch slotted for production in 2018 could be among those designated to carry nuclear-tipped Babur LACMs.
Source: http://quwa.org/2016/08/11/pakistan-developing-naval-launch-system/

 

[The Deterrent]

Yes, for surface vessels.

 

[Zarvan]

We need more Frigates and with VLS tubes them so we can launch long range cruise and ballistic missiles. We need to focus on Navy and increase their size and capacity.

 

[Beast]

We need more Frigates and with VLS tubes them so we can launch long range cruise and ballistic missiles. We need to focus on Navy and increase their size and capacity.

Buyan M is quite limited in launching cruise missile but I think is affordable if you want that capabilities.

 

[Tank131]

We need more Frigates and with VLS tubes them so we can launch long range cruise and ballistic missiles. We need to focus on Navy and increase their size and capacity.

Ballistic missiles from a frigate? That wont happen. Cruise missiles are possible but unlikely in the near future, more likely they will be left for submarines to fire. The frigate fleet should and will focus on the antishipping and anti air and anti sub roles. They are not survivable enough against IN to perform land attack.

 

[Penguin]

I much doubt a launching system, rather two version of a single, domestic missile. That's just how the wording comes across to me. Don't know where it comes from that this would be some launching system. IF a launching system, it could possibly be for submarine launch (i.e. something along the lines of Encapsulated Harpoon, but for use with other, domestic missiles such as a nuclear land attack Babur and an long range antiship version thereof )

 

[Blue Marlin]

Yes, for surface vessels.

and weres theres a ship born launching system, theres a frigate to put it in

 

[Bossman]

Bilal I really appreciated your efforts on defense journalism but you need to reconsider your speculative titles I.e is Pakistan going to develop that or is Pakistan interested in that etc.

 

[Gryphon]

Ballistic missiles from a frigate? That wont happen. Cruise missiles are possible but unlikely in the near future, more likely they will be left for submarines to fire. The frigate fleet should and will focus on the antishipping and anti air and anti sub roles. They are not survivable enough against IN to perform land attack.

I much doubt a launching system, rather two version of a single, domestic missile. That's just how the wording comes across to me. Don't know where it comes from that this would be some launching system. IF a launching system, it could possibly be for submarine launch (i.e. something along the lines of Encapsulated Harpoon, but for use with other, domestic missiles such as a nuclear land attack Babur and an long range antiship version thereof )

and weres theres a ship born launching system, theres a frigate to put it in

This could be the AShM / LACM system MoDP mentioned. It's domestic version is deployed on PLAN Type 054A frigates. Maybe, Pakistan wants to put indigenous tag Harba on it.

The CSOC frigate model shown at IDEAS 2016 appears to be an export design based on the Type 054A.

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

This could be the AShM / LACM system MoDP mentioned. It's domestic version is deployed on PLAN Type 054A frigates. Maybe, Pakistan wants to put indigenous tag Harba on it.

The CSOC frigate model shown at IDEAS 2016 appears to be an export design based on the Type 054A.

Re: the frigate. Notice how the one at IDEAS has a slight difference to the CSOC 4,000-ton frigate shown below (which appeared later)? The one from IDEAS has a seemingly taller VLS (for LR-SAM/LACM?). Otherwise, it's practically identical - seems like a specific alteration.

 

[DeceptiveEagle]

PAKISTAN should develop this system for the reliable deterrence capability & for the effectiveness of Naval force

 

[Gryphon]

Re: the frigate. Notice how the one at IDEAS has a slight difference to the CSOC 4,000-ton frigate shown below (which appeared later)? The one from IDEAS has a seemingly taller VLS (for LR-SAM/LACM?). Otherwise, it's practically identical - seems like a specific alteration.

You seem eager to know why it has a taller VLS The reason could be

1. Taller VLS that can fit LR-SAM+MR-SAM
2. Taller VLS that can be fitted with LR-SAM/MR-SAM+LACM/AShM

There is one more difference - the thing above the VLS cells (near the bridge area). Isn't that FCS ?

 

[DeceptiveEagle]

its also the need of time..

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

You seem eager to know why it has a taller VLS The reason could be

1. Taller VLS that can fit LR-SAM/LACM (as you mentioned), or
2. taller VLS that can be fitted with quad-packed MR-SAM

There is one more difference - the thing above the VLS cells (near the bridge area). Isn't that FCS ?

Are you referring to the sphere/ball atop of the bridge area? I think that's a target illumination radar (for guiding the HQ-16). Could it be that the one at IDEAS was designed for a SAM that uses an active terminal seeker? DK-10?

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Vertical launch system is overrated , the slanted launch system Pakistan already has on the Land can easily be transported onto deck of a ship and installed on front or back of any ships

We just need a basic mechanical converters which lift up the slanted platform to raise it to right level from deck of ship to launch our existing missiles we made in Pakistan