Recently, US President Donald Trump stated that Pakistan is again attempting to develop a nuclear bomb. In this context, experts believe that India should now develop a hydrogen bomb. When the entire world is talking about nuclear bombs, what is the relevance of hydrogen bombs? Does Pakistan also possess hydrogen bombs? Let’s find out in this article how many nuclear weapons India and Pakistan possess.
The CIA Revealed This 10 Years Ago
In 2014, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) released a secret file, which mentioned an interview from May 19, 1989. CIA Director William H. Webster stated that India was moving towards developing a hydrogen bomb and also warned of a nuclear explosion. This prediction proved true when India conducted a nuclear test ten years later.
The Power of the Hydrogen Bomb
Pakistan lagged behind in the development of hydrogen bombs
The hydrogen bomb is the most advanced form of nuclear weapons technology. Indian scientists conducted five nuclear tests, including the detonation of a hydrogen bomb, in May 1998. After the test, then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee proudly declared that they now had the capability to build a larger bomb.
Difference between a hydrogen bomb and an atomic bomb
A hydrogen bomb is produced by nuclear fusion, which releases a lot of energy and causes a massive explosion. In contrast, an atomic bomb is based on nuclear fission. A hydrogen bomb is more destructive than an atomic bomb.
Power of a Hydrogen Bomb
How powerful is a hydrogen bomb?
According to armscontrolcenter.org, a hydrogen bomb is as powerful as approximately 1,000 atomic bombs. If an atomic bomb can destroy a small city like Nagasaki, a hydrogen bomb can destroy a large city like New York in minutes. It is known as a “city buster” in military circles.
India’s Missile Capabilities
India has missiles that could destroy Pakistan.
According to some reports, India possesses missiles like the Agni-5 (5,000-8,000 km range) that can target all of Pakistan. Additionally, the Prithvi-2 (350 km) and Agni-1 (700 km) missiles are designed to target short-range targets.
India’s Triad System
India has the Triad system, Pakistan does not
According to media reports, India possesses warships like the INS Arihant and INS Arighat, which can fire K-4 missiles from the sea (3,500 km range). Additionally, aircraft like the Mirage 2000H and Rafale can also carry nuclear bombs. India has a ‘no first use’ policy, meaning it will not attack first, but if attacked, India can inflict massive destruction in response.
Pakistan’s Strategy
Pakistan may use it if it loses a war
If Pakistan feels it is losing during a war, it may use nuclear bombs first. This could be a threat to India, but India’s missile defence systems like S-400 can thwart Pakistan’s attacks.
