ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army on Wednesday successfully conducted the training launch of the Fatah-II Guided Rocket System capable of engaging “deep targets” with high precision, a statement from the army’s media wing said, adding it can defeat any defense system.
Pakistan sees its missile development as a deterrent against nuclear-armed neighbor India, with which it has fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947. Both nations have been developing missiles of varying ranges since they conducted nuclear tests in May 1998. In December 2023, Pakistan Army successfully conducted the flight test of the Fatah-II missile, which has a range of 400 kilometers.
“Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation system, unique trajectory and maneuverable features, Fatah-II is capable of engaging targets with high precision and defeating any missile defense system,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army’s media wing, said.
“Fatah -II is being inducted in Pakistan’s Artillery Divisions for stand-off, precision engagement of deep targets.”
The army said the rocket system would “significantly upgrade” the reach and lethality of Pakistan Army’s conventional arsenal.
The flight test was witnessed by Pakistan Army’s chief of general staff and senior officers of the country’s air force, army and navy forces, apart from scientists and engineers.
President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Shamshad Mirza and Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir congratulated the participating troops and scientists over the achievement.
As Pakistan and India continue to test missiles and build their weapons armor, analysts warn Asia may be sliding into an accelerating arms race.
