Pakistan Ballistic Missiles – Pakistan’s ballistic missile program is a key part of its defense strategy, aimed at countering India’s military strength and ensuring strategic deterrence. With missiles ranging from short-range tactical systems to long-range ballistic missiles, Pakistan has built a strong arsenal, including the Fatah, Shaheen, and Ghauri series. Recent events, such as the May 2025 missile attacks, highlight their role in India-Pakistan tensions. This article explores Pakistan’s missile capabilities, development, and strategic importance, with detail and chronological insights.
Pakistan Ballistic Missile Attack
On May 10, 2025, Pakistan launched ballistic missile and drone attacks under Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos, targeting Indian military bases in retaliation for India’s Operation Sindoor.
The Indian strikes, following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, hit nine alleged terror bases in Pakistan.
Pakistan used Fatah-II missiles and Turkish drones, with India intercepting most attacks, escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Fatah Missile
The Fatah series, starting with Fatah-I in 2021, is designed for precise tactical strikes, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional ballistic missiles.
- These missiles, mounted on mobile launchers, provide battlefield flexibility and high accuracy.
- The series includes Fatah-I, Fatah-II, and the developing Fatah-III and Fatah-IV.
| Missile | Range (km) | Warhead (kg) | Speed | Guidance | CEP (m) | Developer | First Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fatah-I | 140 | Conventional | Supersonic | INS/GNSS | <15 | GIDS | 2021 |
| Fatah-II | 400 | 365 | Mach 2.5–3 | INS/GNSS, Terminal Guidance | <10 | GIDS | Dec 2023 |
| Fatah-III | 450 (proj.) | - | - | - | - | GIDS | Not Tested |
| Fatah-IV | 700 (proj.) | - | - | - | - | GIDS | Not Tested |
Fatah-II Missile Developed By
The Fatah-II missile was developed by Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), a Pakistani state-owned defense conglomerate. GIDS specializes in cost-effective, precision-guided munitions, building on Pakistan’s indigenous missile technology. The missile was first tested in December 2023, with further trials in May 2024.
Fatah-II Missile Speed
- The Fatah-II is a supersonic short-range ballistic missile (SRBM)
- with a speed of Mach 2.5–3 (3,087–3,704 km/h).
- Its flat trajectory and maneuverability make it hard to detect and intercept, posing a challenge to systems like India’s S-400.
- The missile uses a dual-thrust solid rocket motor for rapid acceleration.
Fateh-II Missile Pakistan
Introduced in 2023, the Fatah-II missile has a 400 km range and a 365 kg warhead, designed for precision strikes.
It features advanced avionics, including INS and GNSS, with a CEP under 10 meters.
During the May 2025 conflict, Pakistan used Fatah-II against Indian bases, though India intercepted one over Sirsa, Haryana.
Fatah-III Missile Pakistan
The Fatah-III, mentioned during the 2024 Pakistan Day parade, is a proposed SRBM with a projected 450 km range. It is under development by GIDS, but no tests or technical details have been confirmed. It aims to enhance Pakistan’s tactical missile capabilities.
PL-15 Missile Pakistan
The PL-15 is a Chinese air-to-air missile with a 200–300 km range and hypersonic speed (Mach 5). Deployed on Pakistan’s JF-17 jets since 2021, it enhances air combat capabilities.
Indian reports from May 2025 found PL-15 debris in Punjab, suggesting possible ground use or misidentification.
Pakistan Long-Range Missile
Pakistan’s long-range missiles, like Shaheen-III and Ghauri-II, ensure strategic deterrence, covering all of India. The Shaheen-III (2,750 km) and Ababeel (2,200 km, MIRV-capable) are key assets. These missiles use solid and liquid propulsion for flexibility and rapid deployment.
| Missile | Range (km) | Warhead (kg) | Propulsion | Guidance | Developer | First Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen-III | 2,750 | 700–1,000 | Solid | INS | NDC | 2015 |
| Ghauri-II | 2,000 | 700 | Liquid | INS | Khan Research | 2004 |
| Ababeel | 2,200 | MIRV | Solid | INS/GNSS | NDC | 2017 |
Pakistan Supersonic Cruise Missile
Pakistan’s cruise missiles, like Babur and Ra’ad, complement its ballistic arsenal with low-altitude, radar-evading capabilities.
The Babur (700 km) and Ra’ad (350–600 km) are subsonic but precise. The Harba missile targets ships and land with a 300–450 km range.
| Missile | Range (km) | Speed | Warhead | Guidance | Platform | First Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babur | 700 | Mach 0.8 | Nuclear/Conv. | INS/GNSS | Ground | 2005 |
| Ra’ad | 350–600 | Subsonic | Nuclear/Conv. | INS/GNSS | Air | 2007 |
| Harba | 300–450 | Subsonic | Conventional | INS/GNSS | Ship | 2018 |
Fattah-2 Missile Which Country
The Fattah-2 is an Iranian hypersonic ballistic missile, unveiled in 2023 by the IRGC, with a 1,400 km range and Mach 10–15 speed.
It is not related to Pakistan’s Fatah-II, despite similar names. There is no evidence of Pakistan acquiring or developing it.
Pakistan Tipu Missile Range
The Tipu missile is a rumored long-range ballistic missile, possibly a Shaheen variant, with an estimated 3,000–4,000 km range. No official tests or data exist, and its status remains speculative. References may stem from misidentified Shaheen tests.
Missile Defence System of Pakistan
Pakistan’s missile defense is limited, relying on systems like
- Sweden’s RBS-70 (MANPADS) and China’s HQ-16 for air defense.
- These are not optimized for ballistic missile interception,
- Unlike India’s S-400 or Barak-8.
- Pakistan focuses on offensive deterrence through its missile arsenal.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, from the Fatah-II to Shaheen-III, ensures strategic and tactical deterrence against India. The Fatah-II’s role in the May 2025 conflict highlights its precision, though India’s defenses limited its impact.
Sources:
Covered Topics
- Pakistan Ballistic Missiles
- Pakistan ballistic missile attack
- Pakistan Fatah 2 missile speed
- Fateh 2 missile Pakistan
- Fatah 3 missile Pakistan
- PL-15 missile Pakistan
- Pakistan long-range missile,
- Fateh missile,
- Missile defence system of Pakistan,
- Fatah 2 missile developed by,
- Pakistan Tipu missile range,
- Pakistan supersonic cruise missile,
- Fattah-2 missile which country,
