Pakistan has reportedly test-fired a short-range, indigenously developed rocket system, in a bid to boost its military ability. The Pakistani Army said the Fatah-II Guided Rocket System can defeat any missile defence system and is equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system, unique trajectory, and manoeuvrable features.
It has a range of 400 kilometres, the statement by Pakistan military claimed.
The introduction of the new missile comes as Pakistan struggles to keep up with military upgradation being undertaken by its neighbour and South Asian military giant India. It is hoping the new capabilities will help it deter any offensive from the arch-rival.
A Pakistan analyst reacted to the development by saying it would help Pak military engage strategic targets with precision.
Speaking to defence news outlet EurAsian Times, Umair Aslam, CEO of Global Defense Insight (an Islamabad-based security forum) and security analyst, said, “With the successful test of the Fatah-II, the Pakistani military has enhanced its capability to engage strategic targets, such as bridges and air defence units, located within a range of 400 kilometres. Utilising cutting-edge navigation and avionics technologies empowers the Fatah-II to achieve the best accuracy.”
He also said that the missile may challenge the supremacy of India’s S-400 missile system, a claim that other experts have disputed.
For instance, defence analyst Patricia Marins expressed scepticism, pointing out the lack of information regarding the missile’s unique trajectory.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the powerful military also congratulated the scientists and researchers behind the rocket system.
It’s not new for Islamabad to test-fire and showcase new weapons and capabilities in order to counter any threat from New Delhi.
The launch of the Fatah-II Guided Rocket System comes days after Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stressed that India was committed to taking back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
He said that the PoK is an integral part of India and that every Indian political party is committed to ensuring its gets back to where it belongs.
India and Pakistan are longtime rivals and have fought three wars against each other since they gained independence from British rule in 1947.
(With inputs from agencies)
)
