Pakistan Unveils ‘SMASH’ Hypersonic Missile at Global Defense Expo in Riyadh
Pakistan stepped into the spotlight at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh with a bold reveal — a new hypersonic anti-ship missile system named SMASH. The unveiling took place at the high-profile defense exhibition in Riyadh, drawing considerable attention from military observers and regional analysts alike.
The missile was presented by Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), which described SMASH as a dual-role hypersonic weapon designed to hit both maritime and land-based targets. In short, this is not just another addition to Pakistan’s arsenal — it’s being pitched as a versatile and fast-strike system capable of reshaping tactical calculations in the region.
A New Hypersonic Edge at the World Defense Show 2026
According to details shared at the exhibition, SMASH falls under Pakistan’s P-282 class and is categorized as a ship-launched anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). The system reportedly offers a strike range of around 290 kilometers, although some specifications suggest it could reach up to 350 kilometers depending on configuration.
What makes SMASH stand out is its flight profile. The missile follows a semi-ballistic trajectory and is designed to maneuver during flight, eventually striking its target at a steep, near-vertical angle. This maneuverability significantly reduces an adversary’s reaction time, potentially complicating air defense interception efforts.
In simple terms: it moves fast, adjusts mid-air, and comes down hard — all features intended to overwhelm defensive systems.
Sea-Based and Land-Based Launch Capabilities
SMASH isn’t limited to a single launch platform. Its primary carriers are expected to be Pakistan Navy frigates, including the Zulfiquar (Type 22P) class and the Tughril (Type 054A/P) class. These warships form a key part of Pakistan’s modernized naval fleet.
Beyond sea deployment, the missile can also be launched from mobile land-based platforms, adding another layer of operational flexibility. This dual-launch capability aligns with its branding as a “dual-role” hypersonic system.
Strategic Moves in Space: EO-2 Satellite Launch
Alongside the missile reveal, Pakistan made another notable move — this time in space. In cooperation with China, Islamabad launched seven satellites into orbit, including its EO-2 observation satellite.
The EO-2 satellite is designed for earth observation and reconnaissance purposes. Given the broader regional security landscape, particularly with India, the launch is likely to attract close scrutiny. Enhanced satellite imaging capability strengthens surveillance and intelligence-gathering functions, adding a space-based dimension to Pakistan’s strategic toolkit.
A Broader Signal
Taken together, the unveiling of SMASH and the satellite launches signal a clear push by Pakistan to expand both its conventional strike capability and its intelligence infrastructure. From hypersonic weapons to orbital assets, the developments highlight a growing emphasis on speed, reach, and technological edge.
As regional powers continue to modernize their militaries, announcements like these are more than just exhibition highlights — they’re signals of shifting capabilities in a rapidly evolving security environment.