Pakistan showcased a major milestone in its defence technology by unveiling the SMASH hypersonic missile at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The weapon was presented by Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS), a leading defence manufacturer, as part of Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its naval strike and precision defence capabilities.
The SMASH system is a hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile designed to engage both maritime and land targets. Its high speed and advanced guidance systems are intended to make it more difficult for enemy air and naval defence systems to intercept.
The missile’s dual-role capability means it can be used for a variety of missions, giving Pakistan’s naval forces a flexible and powerful option for future operations.
At the exhibition, military experts and officials observed the missile’s design and discussed how its features could enhance Pakistan’s defence posture.
Hypersonic weapons like SMASH travel at speeds that help them evade modern countermeasures, and this technology has become a priority for many countries seeking to upgrade their strike systems.
Pakistan’s defence industry has been steadily expanding its local manufacturing and research efforts. The introduction of SMASH reflects broader goals of developing indigenous technologies and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
Analysts say this may also create opportunities for defence exports in the future.
The World Defense Show provided a platform for Pakistan to highlight its progress alongside other global military innovations.
The public debut of the SMASH hypersonic missile marks a significant chapter in the country’s defence capabilities and naval modernization plans.