‘Pak giving jets, missiles nuclear teeth’

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.

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 6) as well 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,” writes Mr Kristensen.

The scientist’s claim comes at a time of escalating Indo-Pak tension since the September 18 attack by Pakistan-backed militants who attacked an Indian Army base in Uri. India hit back very strongly on September 28-29 when the Army crossed into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to target areas used to gather terrorists killing many militants and Pakistani soldiers.

Ever since the border areas on the two respective sides have been witnessing unprecedented firing and shelling including heavy artillery guns.

On two occasions in the recent past — on September 17 and 26 — Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif had threatened India with the use of nuclear weapons. “We haven’t kept the devices that we have just as showpieces. But if our safety is threatened, we will annihilate them (India),” he had said in one of his interviews.

While the nuclear warheads are stored safely in unidentified locations, in a conflict situation they would have to be ‘mated’ with the launchers before use.

Mr Kristensen identified at least five bases that might serve a role in Pakistan’s emerging nuclear posture, including Army garrisons at Akro (Petaro), Gujranwala, Khuzdar, Pano Aqil and Sargodha. A sixth base at Bahawalpur may be under construction with possibility of a seventh base near Dera Ghazi Khan.

Interestingly, the NIP director points out that Pakistan using F-16 fighter bombers may be a violation of terms and conditions as these aircraft were sold on the condition “that they could not be uses to deliver nuclear weapons”. Mr Kristensen claims his sources have indicated that some of the aircraft were “converted nonetheless”.