NEW DELHI: Pakistan is secretly changing its nuclear deterrence stance from a limited one to a full-spectrum nuclear deterrence posture, the director of the Nuclear Information Project (NIP) at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), has claimed.
The new posture implies integrating strategic missiles with nuclear warheads and making its fighter-bombers capable of carrying and firing nuclear weapons.
The leading FAS scientist Hans M. Kristensen, in his recent blog ‘Pakistan’s Evolving Nuclear Weapons Infrastructure’, said: “Pakistan now identifies with what is described as a full-spectrum nuclear deterrent posture, which is thought to include strategic missiles and fighter-bombers for so-called retaliatory strikes in response to nuclear attacks, and short-range missiles for sub-strategic use in response to conventional attacks.”
This posture is being augmented with at least 10 nuclear-related facilities “including five missile garrisons (soon possibly six) as well as two (possibly four) air bases with fighter-bombers.”
“There are still many unknowns and uncertainties about the possible nuclear role of these facilities. All of the launchers are thought to be dual-capable, which means they can deliver both conventional and nuclear warheads,” wrote Mr Kristensen. The scientist’s claim comes at a time of sharply escalating Indo-Pak tension since the September 18 attack by Pakistan-backed militants who attacked an Indian Army base in Uri. India hit back strongly on September 28-29 when Indian troops crossed into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir to target terrorists launchpads killing many militants and Pakistani soldiers.
