Pakistan’s missile arsenal encompasses diverse systems designed to address various strategic and tactical objectives. The Fatah-II and Shaheen-III missiles represent significant advancements in short-range and medium-range ballistic missile capabilities, respectively.
Fatah-II: Precision Short-Range Ballistic Missile
The Fatah-II is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by Pakistan’s state-owned Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS). It was unveiled publicly during the Pakistan Day military parade on March 23, 2024, and successfully test-fired in December 2023. The Fatah-II is designed to engage targets with high precision at distances up to 400 kilometres.
Key Features:
-
Range: 250km to 400 km
-
Warhead: 365 kg unitary blast or blast fragmentation
-
Guidance System: Inertial Navigation System (INS) combined with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
-
Accuracy: Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 50 meters
-
Launch Platform: Mounted on an 8×8 transporter erector launcher (TEL)
The Fatah-II’s advanced guidance and maneuverability are designed to counter modern air defense systems, including India’s S-400, by following unique flight trajectories and employing precision targeting.
Shaheen-III: Strategic Medium-Range Ballistic Missile
The Shaheen-III is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) developed by Pakistan’s National Engineering & Scientific Commission (NESCOM). First tested in March 2015, the Shaheen-III extends Pakistan’s strike capability to a range of 2,750 kilometers, enabling it to reach all of India and parts of the Middle East.
Key Features:
-
Range: 2,750 km
-
Payload: Capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads
-
Propulsion: Two-stage solid-fuel rocket
-
Guidance System: Inertial navigation with terminal guidance
-
Launch Platform: Road-mobile transporter erector launcher (TEL)
The Shaheen-III enhances Pakistan’s strategic deterrence by providing the capability to target distant strategic assets, including India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, thereby addressing second-strike concerns.
Comparative Overview
| Feature | Fatah-II | Shaheen-III |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Short-Range Ballistic Missile | Medium-Range Ballistic Missile |
| Range | Up to 400 km | 2,750 km |
| Payload | 365 kg conventional warhead | Nuclear or conventional warheads |
| Guidance | INS/GNSS | Inertial with terminal guidance |
| Launch Platform | 8×8 TEL | Road-mobile TEL |
| Accuracy (CEP) | < 50 meters | Not publicly disclosed |
| Primary Role | Tactical precision strikes | Strategic deterrence |
Sources:Dawn+5Army Recognition+5News – European Security & Defence+5Indian Defence Research Wing+2News – European Security & Defence+2Army Recognition+2News – European Security & Defence+7Army Recognition, .Indian Defence Research Wing
