Islamabad / New Delhi – June 11, 2025:
Amid regional defense concerns, Pakistan is reportedly exploring the acquisition of the German-made IRIS‑T SLM surface-to-air missile system, which has demonstrated its effectiveness against high-speed threats in Ukraine—as Islamabad seeks a countermeasure to India’s supersonic BrahMos cruise missile (reddit.com).
🚀 Why the Pivot?
-
Pakistan’s current air defence systems, including the Chinese HQ-16 and HQ-9, have struggled to intercept the high-speed BrahMos.
-
The IRIS‑T SLM system, already in Ukrainian service, is credited with downing over 60 targets since its deployment, signaling high efficacy against supersonic threats (economictimes.indiatimes.com).
💸 Context & Constraints
-
The interest in IRIS‑T SLM arises amid Pakistan’s ongoing economic challenges, which may impact defense procurement timelines .
-
India has reportedly objected to any international loans facilitating Pakistan’s defence investments (economictimes.indiatimes.com).
🤝 Germany’s Role
-
Germany’s defence cooperation spans both India and Pakistan. Notably, Indian conglomerate Reliance has established partnerships with the same German manufacturer, highlighting the complexity of regional defence relationships (economictimes.indiatimes.com).
🌐 Strategic Implications
-
Acquiring IRIS‑T SLM would mark a substantial upgrade to Pakistan’s air defence capabilities, closing the gap against BrahMos’s supersonic trajectory.
-
Deployment would align Islamabad more closely with Western defence systems, possibly reshaping regional defence dynamics—especially as Germany continues military ties with both nations.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes media reports and official statements available as of June 11, 2025. The Pakistan government's defense plans and procurement negotiations are evolving; no finalized agreements have been confirmed by either Berlin or Islamabad. All parties remain presumed innocent of any implications until official confirmation.
0 Comments