HYPERSONIC WEAPON SYSTEMS – A NEW WAVE OF ARMS RACE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION

Imran  Raza; Nasir  Mehmood

doi:10.54690/margallapapers.27.1.149

Authors

Imran Raza NDU, Islamabad
Nasir Mehmood NDU, Islamabad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54690/margallapapers.27.1.149

Keywords:

Strategic Balance, Hypersonic Weapon Systems, Deterrence, South Asia, Indian Ocean.

Abstract

Technological advancements and tactical applications have always played a significant role in determining the outcomes of military conflicts. The emergence of Hypersonic Weapon Systems is considered a game-changer in contemporary and future warfare, as it can potentially dominate the early stages of conflict. Major powers like the US, China and Russia are pursuing technological superiority by developing hypersonic weapons, which could undermine conventional strategic capabilities and render even the most advanced air and missile defences obsolete. However, there has been limited discussion on the impact of deploying hypersonic weapons in the Indian Ocean region and its implications on strategic stability in the Pakistan-India military matrix. This paper examines the induction of hypersonic weapons by the Indian Navy, utilising insights from security dilemma and conventional deterrence theories to navigate the complex strategic landscape in the region. It contributes to the ongoing debate on the relationship between the arms race and conventional deterrence in Pakistan and India, highlighting the risks of an arms race in the Indian Ocean region. Without strategic dialogue on regulating hypersonic weapons systems, the chances of escalation and conflict could increase significantly.

Bibliography Entry

Raza, Imran and Nasir Mehmood. 2023. "Hypersonic Weapon Systems – A New Wave of Arms Race in the Indian Ocean Region." Margalla Papers 27 (1): 28-39.

Author Biographies

Imran Raza, NDU, Islamabad

Mr Imran Raza is a PhD candidate at the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, National Defence University, Islamabad.

Nasir Mehmood, NDU, Islamabad

Dr Nasir Mehmood is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Strategic Studies, Faculty of Contemporary Studies, National Defence University, Islamabad.

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