We need again5 type capability not to hit some target 8000km away but it will help us evade future Indian abms(ADD s500 and thaad to the list in next 10 years)it will give us a
Higher apogee hence higher speeds and heavier payloads better mirv more penaids and so on.
@The Deterrent
1. ICBM are very expensive to develop and maintain; billions of USD needed.
2. Ababeel prototype indicate a remarkable leap in Pakistani ballistic missile capabilities, but just a single test is far from conclusive:
https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ababeel/
Not sure when (2.) will achieve maturity.
Pakistan's nuclear forces (2018) at a glance:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00963402.2018.1507796
Now that WE have come this far, WE should continue to advance our defense-related options further, but WE need to be realistic in our views and expectations as well. ICBM + MiRV + PENAIDS = a bit early to tout about this level of prowess in our case.
Pakistan's most pressing concerns are terrorism and a dysfunctional economy. India's strategy is to ensure Pakistan remain mired in these problems (4th generation warfare) and unable to transition into a developed country and have a credible shot at outgunning India in R&D programs and defense-related matters.
Equation of innovation:-
Strong Economy + Applied Sciences = Productive nationals + Industries + R&D programs = Desired outcomes
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I hope India does not receive S-500 and THAAD systems in the near future, but if this happen, then God help us.
S-500 is Russia's first true mobile BMDS and a major leap from S-400 in all aspects. Let us see how it will turn out in the end.
THAAD is already capable of neutralizing very long range ballistic missiles and distinguishing actual warheads from potential countermeasures (PENAIDS). THAAD can also be optimized to defeat HGV types (rumored but not publicized yet).
FYI:
https://theaviationist.com/2017/07/...t-over-the-pacific-ocean-during-a-thaad-test/
Intercept envelope of THAAD is massive - greater than that of Israeli Arrow-3 and Russian S-500.
Related information in this discussion:
https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/after-s-400-more-contracts-on-the-way-rosoboronexport.580579/page-4
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There are different ways to contend with a long-term adversary. WE should concentrate on surprising India at micro-levels via breakthroughs in the domains of AI, Hacking, Sensor systems, Drones/Robotics, PENAIDS, Engines, Stealth and War-fighting strategies in general. But refer to the 'equation of innovation' above.
Nevertheless, continuous arms-race can be a major source of drain on the economic viability of any country and it is wise to seek resolution of outstanding disputes at some point. I am not sure for how long this madness will continue but one of the countries might BLINK at some point and the possibility of a major tragedy cannot be ruled out. God help us.