Pakistan tests tactical nuclear missile against Indian 'Cold Start' attack

Tactical nuclear weapons like the Nasr are globally recognised as highly destabilising weapons since their use is very likely to trigger escalation to higher-yield bombs by the adversary

The Pakistan Army on Thursday announced a successful "training launch" of its short-range ballistic missile, "Nasr", which is believed to have a range of just 60 kilometres. 

This "tactical nuclear weapon" (TNW) has been developed as the Pakistan Army's weapon of last resort if a successful Indian "cold start" offensive – a massed attack launched without lengthy mobilisation – rapidly advances into Pakistan, capturing territory and threatening vital cities and installations.

The Nasr TNW, which would carry a small-yield "sub-kilotonne" nuclear bomb, is not designed to cause widespread damage, in the manner of "city-buster" nuclear bombs of 20-kilotonnes and above. Instead, it