Pakistan's Nuclear Capability

The Second Strike

Pakistan’s Second-Strike Capability Advancements

Pakistan has made progress toward developing a second-strike nuclear capability, though it still has significant limitations. Its Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missile is a major step forward, capable of being launched from conventional submarines and providing a measure of underwater deterrence. However, Pakistan lacks nuclear-powered submarines, which are key for a reliable and survivable second-strike option. Without these advanced submarines, Pakistan’s ability to retaliate after a potential nuclear attack is limited, as its current platforms are less stealthy and more vulnerable to detection.

Asking China for Second-Strike Assistance

In ongoing talks with China about the Gwadar Port, Pakistan made an ambitious request: help in building a second-strike nuclear capability. This would have been a game-changer for Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, ensuring it could respond to a nuclear attack no matter what. However, the request was rejected. China cited international rules against spreading nuclear weapons technology and the potential diplomatic fallout it would face for assisting Pakistan in such a sensitive area. This rejection, combined with China’s frustration over security risks in Pakistan, has strained relations between the two countries and stalled the Gwadar Port negotiations.