Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Arms Race Update


India this time. The country has successfully test-fired its first, submarine launched, nuclear capable missile, the Brahmos.

Naturally it's got Pakistan all in a tizzy with Pakistan's top sailor claiming this will spark a new arms race between the countries.

The big news that seems to have escaped much attention is that India is planning on building its own submarines to carry the missiles. An Indian capability to deploy submarine launched, nuclear missiles goes far beyond issues of Pakistan, all of which is already vulnerable to Indian land based nukes. It would, in fact, extend India's nuclear reach throughout the intended range of India's navy - from the Middle East to the Sea of Japan.

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