The United States has sanctioned Pakistan's missile program, including the development projects of Pakistani ballistic missiles Shaheen-3 and Ababeel. The sanctions target Chinese and Pakistani organizations supporting these missile developments and distributing missile technology worldwide.
The Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missiles are considered some of the deadliest weapons in the Pakistani military arsenal. The Shaheen-3 has a range of 2,740 kilometers, while the Ababeel can hit multiple targets simultaneously within a range of 2,200 kilometers, thanks to its Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs).
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Source: aajtak
These missiles are purportedly immune to enemy missile defense systems, enhancing Pakistan's strategic power, particularly against India. The Ababeel missile, introduced in 2017, can target multiple locations in one strike. It was tested in 2023 and showcased at Pakistan Day Parade in 2024.
Shaheen-3 Capable of Hitting Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Shaheen-3 missile is reportedly capable of reaching India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Pakistan claims it can strike any part of India with this missile, potentially using it as a counterstrike weapon against India.
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Source: aajtak
What Are the Allegations and Sanctions from the US?
The US has accused Pakistani and Chinese companies of violating the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA). The Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB) from China is alleged to be involved in the development, technology testing, and distribution of Shaheen-3 and Ababeel technologies.
The Pakistani National Development Complex (NDC) is reportedly collaborating with RIAMB, acquiring rocket motor testing equipment from China to produce more missiles. Additionally, the US has sanctioned China's Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment and Universal Enterprise to prevent China and Pakistan from breaching international laws relating to ballistic missiles.
