ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said it had successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable radar-dodging cruise missile capable of reaching New Delhi, on Thursday. The successful testing of Babur or Hataf VII missile would strengthen national security, a military statement said. The military says it has increased the range of the missile to 700 kilometres (435 miles). “The Babur, which has near stealth capabilities, is a low flying, terrain hugging missile with high maneuverability, pinpoint accuracy and radar avoidance features,” the statement said. It can be fired from Agosta submarine and fighter jets F-16 and F-17, it said. President Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz congratulated the scientists and engineers involved in the project.
This is to say that US gave jets to Pakistan that are capable of carrying that payload in the first place.. Unless this “baaabur” is going to take the F-16 with it..
Maybe it was launched from a submarine, but undisclosed. Like Mercenary stated, Agosta is a French submarine, built by Pakistan under license. We aren’t allowed to modify it. Testing a submarine launch & disclosing it to the public would make it obvious that we have violated our terms with the French.
You don’t need to modify an F-16 (just like most other fighter-planes) to carry a cruise missile.
F-16’s computer? Avionics can be removed and fitted without modifying the plane. You dont need to ask the amreekans to program new weapons systems onto the avionics system. That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.
Why not?
F-16 (A/B) has a maximum payload of over 12000 pounds, while the heaviest cruise-missile in U.S inventory (heavier than Babur) is less than 3000 pounds.
In the case of Agosta 90b, the main frame has to be modified, because 1) the torpedo shafts are too small; and 2) VLS systems do not exist.
Avionics can be removed and fitted without modifying the plane. You dont need to ask the amreekans to program new weapons systems onto the avionics system. That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.