A PN MİLGEM (Babur-class) corvette test-fired the P282 SMASH anti-ship ballistic missile, marking the first known firing from Pakistan’s new corvette.
Following the tests with Zulfiqar-class frigate(s), P282 SMASH anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) was fired from a PN MİLGEM corvette, marking the implementation of long-range ASuW capabilities. TurDef identified the launching ship as PN MİLGEM based on the IFF antenna, SMASH 200/25 (STOP) RCWS, and other antennas near the exhausts visible in the footage.
The test also marks the first time that a corvette has been fitted with anti-ship ballistic missiles. Other corvettes mostly use anti-ship cruise missiles, relying on sea skimming and terminal manoeuvres to evade enemy defences, while an ASBM like P282 SMASH relies on high speed and altitude.
P282 SMASH was developed as a dual-use anti-ship ballistic missile with a range of 290+ km to target ships and land targets. While the terminal guidance is unclear, the radome appears to house an active radar seeker to acquire ships at range. The propulsion consists of a dual-thrust (Not to be confused with dual pulse) rocket motor that helps with reducing speed losses during initial manoeuvres. At the terminal stage, P-282 SMASH reaches a terminal speed of more than Mach 2 at near-vertical angles.
PN MİLGEM / Babur-Class Corvettes
PN MİLGEM or Babur-class is a joint work based on the MİLGEM Ada-class corvette design, incorporating various changes in accordance with Pakistani requirements. ASFAT, as the main contractor, has built four ships for the Pakistani Navy in cooperation with Karachi Shipyard.
Compared to the Ada-class thoroughly optimised for ASW operations and patrol missions; PN MİLGEM leans further on ASuW operations with P-282 SMASH missiles and has area air defence capabilities thanks to 12 cold-launch tubes for CAMM-ER air defence missiles.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
