Do Indian Aircraft Carriers Pose a Serious Threat to Pakistan's Security?

India has recently inducted INS Vikrant, the South Asian nation's second aircraft carrier. This "indigenous" ship of the Indian Navy is powered by four American-made General Electric LM2500 marine gas turbines built in the US state of Ohio. It is a relatively small aircraft carrier with a displacement of 40,000 tons, top speed of 28 knots, cruise speed of 18 knots and 7,500 nautical miles (8,630 miles) range. INS Vikrant can carry up to 30 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft and 1600 sailors. India plans to equip it with Russian MiG-29K fighter jets and Westland Sea King helicopters, a British license-built version of the American Sikorsky S-61 helicopter of the same name. Does this latest addition to the Indian Navy pose a serious threat to Pakistan's security? Can Pakistan defend against it? 

Indian PM Modi Launched INS Vikrant Aircraft Carrier

In a 2017 paper for the US Naval War College Review, defense analyst Ben Wan Beng Ho discussed how India might use its aircraft carriers against Pakistan and how the latter would respond. Here are some key excerpts from it: 

"(I)t is doubtful that any attack force launched from an Indian carrier would pack a significant punch. “With aircraft available for strike duties barely numbering into the double digits, the Indian carrier simply cannot deliver a substantial ‘pulse’ of combat power against its adversary.”

“In any attempt to impose sea control in the northern Arabian Sea and to interdict Pakistani seaborne commerce by enforcing a blockade of major Pakistani maritime nodes, Indian carrier forces would have to devote a portion of their already meager airpower to attacking Pakistani vessels, thereby exacerbating the conundrum alluded to earlier. What is more, Pakistani ships are likely to operate relatively close to their nation’s coast, to be protected by Islamabad’s considerable access-denial barrier.”

Indian-American defense analyst Ashley Tellis has also raised serious questions about the Indian naval doctrine. He believes that the land-based fighter aircraft with refueling to extend range are a better option.  He also says that  aircraft carriers are highly vulnerable to sinking by stealthy submarines. 

There are lessons for the Indian military from Ukraine-Russia war. In April this year, Ukraine's Neptune anti-ship missiles hit and sank Moskva in Black Sea.  It was a large 10,000-ton guided missile cruiser of the Russian Navy that was launching cruise missiles on targets in Eastern and Southern Ukraine. It is the largest warship to have been sunk in action since WWII. 

Pakistan has recently showcased its anti-ship missile Harbah at DIMDEX 2022, a defense expo in Qatar. It  is a medium range ship launched subsonic cruise missile system capable of targeting sea as well as land targets in “all weather operation” at a maximum range of 280 kilometers, according to a report in NavalNews. The missile is fire and forget type. It relies on inertial navigation technologies with GPS and GLONASS systems. According to its manufacturer GIDS, the missile features the following guidance systems: a DSMAC camera, imaging infrared seeker, and radar seeker. More recently, Pakistan's ally China has successfully demonstrated its carrier-buster missile. A single round has to be slung underneath the fuselage. And its primary prey is likely to be enemy aircraft carriers. For this reason, it has been widely dubbed a ‘carrier killer’, according to Naval News. 

In a YouTube video, Indian journalist Shekhar Gupta noted that the Indian Navy hid its aircraft carriers from Pakistan Navy submarines in both 1965 and 1971 wars. He also recalled that Pakistani Navy warships destroyed Indian Naval Base at Dwarka in 1965, and Pakistani sub Hangor sank an Indian warship INS Khukri in 1971 war. 

Views: 426

Comment by Riaz Haq on July 22, 2023 at 7:45am

Indian view of Pakistan Navy Modernization

https://thediplomat.com/2023/07/china-is-helping-modernize-the-paki...

by Guarav Sen

Pakistan has been proactively procuring technologically advanced naval vessels from China, headlined by a $5 billion deal signed in 2016 for Pakistan to acquire Yuan class Type 039/041 diesel submarines by 2028. Pakistan is all set to acquire eight such submarines from China, with four of them scheduled for delivery by the end of 2023. The first four subs are being built by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation; the other four will be built in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works, further bolstering Pakistan’s indigenous capabilities.

These submarines are equipped with advanced sensors and modern armaments, which tilts the tactical power balance slightly in favor of Pakistan. These diesel attack submarines align with the Pakistan Navy’s offensive sea denial strategy, which prioritizes the use of submarines and missile-carrying maritime patrol aircraft in naval warfare.

Apart from this, Pakistan is also expanding its surface fleet. It has commissioned Zulfiqar-class frigates, based on China’s Type 053H3 vessels, which serve multiple roles, including anti-submarine warfare. It carries YJ-82 missiles for anti-surface warfare and FM-90N short-range surface-to-air missiles for self-defense.

In January 2022, the Pakistan Navy commissioned its most advanced vessel, the guided missile frigate Tughril. The Tughril is the first of four powerful Type 054A/P frigates being built in Shanghai for the Pakistan Navy. The vessel is armed with surface-to-air missiles and supersonic surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs), is a versatile warship capable of undertaking multiple missions. The second such vessel, the Taimur, was commissioned in June 2022.

----
While the Tughril-class frigates represent a significant addition to Pakistan’s surface fleet, they do not pose a credible deterrent against the Indian Navy’s superior capabilities and numerical advantage. But still, India needs to monitor Pakistan’s shift toward power projection in the IOR. The addition of these advanced frigates enhances the Pakistan Navy’s capability to operate in distant waters, which is demonstrated by its ability to conduct joint drills with China’s navy in the East China Sea this year.

Besides China, Turkey is also playing a key role in stretching and modernizing Pakistan’s naval fleet. In 2018, Pakistan and Turkey signed a contract for the construction of four Milgem-class corvettes based on the design of Turkish Ada-class ships. Under the deal, Turkey will deliver four ships to Pakistan by February 2025.

Pakistan’s continued induction of higher-tonnage surface vessels reflects its ambition to enhance power projection in the region. The concerns for India lie not only in the naval imbalance but also in Pakistan’s first-ever maritime doctrine, “Preserving Freedom of Seas.”

Pakistan’s maritime strategy has evolved from an offensive sea denial approach to one focused on a sustained presence in the IOR. The Chinese-made J-10 fighter, which is part of China’s naval arm, can be used by the Pakistan Navy to carry out maritime operations in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The warplane can carry anti-ship missiles, which could enable the Pakistan Navy to play a more responsive role in the Indian Ocean.

----------

Presently, Pakistan cannot come close to matching the maritime power of its archrival India, but the continued push for modernization and renewed strategic cooperation with China and Turkey could change the status quo by transforming Pakistan into a genuine regional naval power. A strong Pakistan Navy equipped with advanced frigates and other weapons is part of Beijing’s grand plan to ensure the security of Chinese oil imports coming from the Persian Gulf and attain control of the sea lanes traversing the Indian Ocean.

Comment by Riaz Haq on November 5, 2024 at 9:13am

Pakistan Navy Tests Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile 'SMASH'

https://quwa.org/quwa-premium/pakistan-navy-tests-anti-ship-ballist...

On 04 November, the Pakistan Navy (PN) announced that it test-fired an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) with a range of 350 km. Based on the video footage released by the PN, the ASBM is called the ‘SMASH’ (possibly an acronym for ‘Supersonic Missile Anti-SHip’).

The same video footage also indicates that the PN launched the SMASH ASBM from a Zulfiquar-class (F-22P) multi-mission frigate, of which the PN operates four ships.

It is not known if the SMASH is related to the P282, which the PN leadership first revealed in 2020 as a ‘hypersonic’ solution. Previously, SMASH seemed to be a supersonic-cruising anti-ship missile (AShM), similar to the CM-302 or BrahMos, for example. It is worth noting, however, that the PN recently inducted CM-302; these are being deployed from its Tughril-class (Type 054A/P) frigates.


The Pakistan Navy Builds its Missile Mix
After embarking on its large-scale modernization and fleet expansion program, the PN set out to build its AShM inventory. It used to mainly rely on subsonic-cruising AShMs, such as the RGM-84 Harpoon, MBDA Exocet, and Chinese C-802. Not only was the PN’s missile mix restricted to subsonic designs, but all of its munitions were imported from the United States, France, or China.

This changed in 2016, when the PN test-fired the ‘Zarb’, a shore-based subsonic AShM. This was the first time the PN had deployed a locally built AShM. In 2017, the PN announced that it test-fired the Babur 3, a submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) based on the Babur-series land-attack cruise missile (LACM).

The final piece of the PN’s indigenous subsonic attack capability was the Harbah, a dual-role AShM/LACM that was test-fired in 2018. The export variant of the Harbah has a stated range of 280 km, but the AShM’s reach was likely capped for compliance with the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Considering how the Babur 3 (which has size restrictions for deployment from submarine torpedo tubes) offers a stated range of 450 km, the Harbah AShM/LACM should match, if not exceed, 450 km.

The next step of the PN’s missile development program was to induct supersonic and hypersonic systems…

Comment by Riaz Haq on March 17, 2025 at 8:31am

Chinese builder launches Pakistan Navy's second Hangor-class submarine

https://www.bairdmaritime.com/security/naval/naval-submersibles/chi...

The Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group of China has launched the second boat of a new class of diesel-electric attack submarines ordered by the Pakistan Navy.

The future PNS Shushuk ("River dolphin") and another three Hangor-class submarines, including class lead boat PNS Hangor, will be built in China while the remaining four boats will be constructed in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.

All eight Hangor-class boats will be variants of the Type 039A or Yuan-class submarines being operated by the People's Liberation Army Navy of China.

Upon completion, the future Shushuk will have a length of 76 metres, a hull diameter of 8.4 metres, a displacement of 2,800 tonnes, air-independent propulsion, and armament consisting of torpedoes, cruise missiles, and anti-ship missiles.

The Hangor-class submarines will be operated on anti-access/area denial operations.

The second Hangor-class submarine is also the second Pakistan Navy submarine to be named Shushuk. The first was a French-built Daphné-class boat that operated under the Pakistani flag from 1970 to 2006.

Comment by Riaz Haq on June 5, 2025 at 9:17pm

Are Pakistan Navy assets networked with Pakistan Air Force?

Search Labs | AI Overview
Yes, Pakistan Navy assets are networked with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) as part of their efforts to achieve inter-services integration and enhance interoperability.
Evidence of Networking:
Joint Exercises: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan Navy (PN) conduct joint exercises like "Sea Spark" and "RIBAT-2018" to validate war fighting concepts and enhance interoperability between naval and air assets.
Networking of Key Assets: There is evidence that Pakistan has an objective of integrating key assets such as AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft and surface warships through networking.
Data Link System: Pakistan has developed a homegrown data link system known as "Link-17" to facilitate data-link connectivity between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This suggests an effort towards achieving tactical operational benefits through integrated communication.
Air Support and Interoperability: The Pakistan Air Force provides essential air support to the Pakistan Navy to cover aerial threats, especially for the PN which lacks a credible medium-to-long-range anti-air warfare capability from its surface fleet. Joint exercises like RIBAT-2018 contribute to improving interoperability between the two services.
JF-17 Integration: The PAF's JF-17 fighter aircraft have been tested and equipped to deploy anti-ship missiles like the C-802AK. This further indicates integration and coordination between the two services.
In summary, the Pakistan Armed Forces, including the Navy and Air Force, have taken steps towards greater integration and networking of their assets, conducting joint exercises and developing data link systems to enhance interoperability and operational effectiveness.

Comment by Riaz Haq 8 hours ago

Zohaib Ahmed 🇵🇰🇵🇸
@Zohaib_Author
Pakistan’s recent fielding and flight trials of the P-282 / “SMASH” anti-ship ballistic missile (ship-launched test reported at ~350 km range in Nov 2024) mark a concrete, near-term ASBM capability tailored for A2/AD operations and littoral denial. Technically, Pakistan’s ASBM approach emphasizes platform diversity and distributive launch (ship-launched P-282/SMASH plus sub-launched Babur-III SLCM), relatively compact ranges matched to Arabian Sea engagement geometry, and integration with naval ISR (UAVs, coastal radars, and satcom) to enable over-the-horizon targeting and terminal guidance, design choices that favour tactical surprise, salvo saturation, and rapid dispersal.

https://x.com/Zohaib_Author/status/1985455738446365056

--------

Zohaib Ahmed 🇵🇰🇵🇸
@Zohaib_Author
The Zarb coastal battery’s core strength is its networked, mobile anti-ship strike package that pairs long-range cruise missiles with integrated maritime ISR and fire-control, enabling rapid, distributed salvoes from dispersed launchers rather than a single fixed battery.
Technically, it combines coastal AESA or shore radars, EO/IR cueing, secure datalinks to airborne and shipborne sensors, and missiles with INS/GNSS midcourse guidance plus a terminal seeker for sea-skimming approach and target discrimination.
That architecture gives you three decisive advantages: stand-off strike so your shooters stay outside hostile air-defence envelopes, salvo saturation that overwhelms layered interceptors, and shoot-and-scoot mobility that limits preemption.

https://x.com/Zohaib_Author/status/1985644915305693216

--------------


Zohaib Ahmed 🇵🇰🇵🇸
@Zohaib_Author
Why Pakistan Isn’t Losing Sleep Over the BrahMos Missile?

Once hailed as a symbol of Indo-Russian engineering genius, the BrahMos was supposed to change South Asia’s strategic balance. But in the 2025 conflict, it barely scratched the surface, literally. Despite its Mach-3 speed, Pakistan’s defences absorbed the strike with minimal damage.

The data tells a blunt truth: speed without impact is just noise.

Pakistan’s integrated air defence systems, advanced electronic warfare, and hardened infrastructure have turned the BrahMos from a “game-changer” into a glorified firecracker.

Read how perception met performance, and lost.

https://zohaibauthor.com/2025/11/04/why-pakistan-is-least-worried-a...

https://x.com/Zohaib_Author/status/1985636867363258411

Comment by Riaz Haq 5 hours ago

Christopher Clary
@clary_co
"Pakistan is trying to build its third leg of the nuclear triad by equipping its Agosta-90B boats with 450-km range Babur-3 cruise missiles. The Hangor-class boats will certainly have the Babur-3 missiles," an officer told Times of India.

https://x.com/clary_co/status/1985534168349163668

-----------


Rajat Pandit
@rajatpTOI
India’s major naval combat edge over Pakistan will begin to somewhat erode from next year onwards when the latter begins inducting eight advanced Hangor-class diesel-electric submarines from China.

https://x.com/rajatpTOI/status/1985530561495253379

------

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-will-have-to-conten...

India’s major naval combat edge over Pakistan will begin to somewhat erode from next year onwards when the latter begins inducting eight advanced Hangor-class diesel-electric submarines from China. India’s long-pending conventional submarine-building plan, in sharp contrast, is yet to even kick off.
Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf has confirmed in interviews to Chinese state media that the first Hangor-class submarine will enter active service next year. All eight boats, four each being built in China and Pakistan, under the estimated $5 billion deal, will be delivered by 2028. They will boost Pakistan’s ability to patrol the north Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, he said.

The Hangor or Type 039A Yuan-class submarines, in addition t ..

Read more at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/125072697.cms?utm_so...

Comment by Riaz Haq 4 hours ago

AI Overview
Does Pakistan pose a bigger threat to India after Babur-III ...
Pakistan is integrating its nuclear-capable Babur-3 sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM) onto its new diesel-electric Hangor-class submarines to establish a submarine-based second-strike capability. These AIP (air-independent propulsion) equipped submarines are designed to remain submerged for longer periods, making the Babur-3 a more survivable nuclear deterrent. While the Hangor-class submarines are being built, the Babur-3 is expected to be integrated into the fleet once they are operational.

Key points on Pakistan's AIP subs and Babur-3
Nuclear triad: The integration of the Babur-3 missile on the Hangor submarines is seen as a key step to complete Pakistan's nuclear triad (land, air, and sea) and provide a credible second-strike capability.
Hangor-class submarines: These are modern, diesel-electric submarines with AIP systems, based on China's Type 039B (Yuan) class. The AIP allows them to stay submerged for longer, enhancing stealth and survivability.
Babur-3 missile: The Babur-3 is a subsonic cruise missile with a range of about 450–700 km and features terrain-hugging and sea-skimming capabilities. Pakistan successfully tested it from a submerged platform in 2017.
Integration status: The Hangor-class submarines are being built, with the first having been launched in 2024 and subsequent ones following. The Babur-3 missile is expected to be integrated into these submarines, though official confirmation of specific weapon system armaments is limited.
Strategic significance: The development adds a significant sea-based deterrent to Pakistan's naval capabilities, complicating regional naval power dynamics and providing a standoff strike option.

Comment

You need to be a member of PakAlumni Worldwide: The Global Social Network to add comments!

Join PakAlumni Worldwide: The Global Social Network

Pre-Paid Legal


Twitter Feed

    follow me on Twitter

    Live Traffic Feed


    Sponsored Links

    South Asia Investor Review
    Investor Information Blog

    Haq's Musings
    Riaz Haq's Current Affairs Blog

    Please Bookmark This Page!




    Blog Posts

    Pakistan's Rising Arms Sales to Developing Nations

    Pakistan is emerging as a major arms supplier to developing countries in Asia and Africa. Azerbaijan, Myanmar, Nigeria and Sudan have all made significant arms purchases from Pakistan in recent years.  Azerbaijan expanded its order for JF-17 Thunder Block III multi-role fighter jets from Pakistan from 16 to 40 aircraft. The recent order extends a 2024 contract worth $1.6 billion to modernize Baku’s airborne combat fleet to $4.6 billion. This makes Azerbaijan the largest export customer of…

    Continue

    Posted by Riaz Haq on October 29, 2025 at 10:30am

    Improved US-Pakistan Ties: F-1 Visas For Pakistani Students Soaring

    The F-1 visas for Pakistani students are soaring amid a global decline, according to the US government data. The US visas granted to Pakistani students climbed 44.3% in the first half of Fiscal Year 2025 (October 2024 to March 2025) with warming relations between the governments of the two countries. The number of visas granted to Indian students declined 44.5%, compared to  20% fewer US visas given to students globally in this period.  The number of US visas granted to Pakistani…

    Continue

    Posted by Riaz Haq on October 19, 2025 at 10:00am — 2 Comments

    © 2025   Created by Riaz Haq.   Powered by

    Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service