Pakistan tests tactical nuclear missile against Indian 'Cold Start' attack

The Pakistan Army on Thursday announced a successful "training launch" of its short-range ballistic missile, "Nasr", which is believed to have a range of just 60 kilometres.

This "tactical nuclear weapon" (TNW) has been developed as the Pakistan Army's weapon of last resort if a successful Indian "cold start" offensive - a massed attack launched without lengthy mobilisation - rapidly advances into Pakistan, capturing territory and threatening vital cities and installations.

The Nasr TNW, which would carry a small-yield "sub-kilotonne" nuclear bomb, is not designed to cause widespread damage, in the manner of "city-buster" nuclear bombs of 20-kilotonnes and above. Instead, it is intended to serve the dual purpose of demonstrating Pakistan's determination to protect its vital national interests; and to provoke international intervention to stop India.

To avoid provoking a "massive" Indian retaliation, which New Delhi's nuclear doctrine mandates and which would involve demolishing several Pakistani cities with large-yield nuclear weapons, Pakistan's use of Nasr TNWs would aim to minimise destruction and, therefore, provocation. Analysts believe Pakistan is unlikely to use the Nasr TNW on Indian territory, far less Indian cities. Instead, the Nasr TNW is likely to be used on Indian forces deep inside Pakistan territory.

A video released by the Pakistan Army on Thursday showed a vehicle-mounted, four-tube missile launcher firing a salvo of four missiles. As each missile soars into the sky, troops shout "Allah-o-Akbar". The video then shows the four missiles striking their targets - flags embedded in the desert sand - within a few tens of metres.