Tensions have intensified sharply between Pakistan and India after India’s raids on May 7 against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under ‘Operation Sindoor’. The action was taken after the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
In a quick response, Pakistan called the strikes an “act of war” and threatened retaliation. “The Armed Forces of Pakistan have duly been authorised to undertake corresponding actions in this regard,” Pakistan said in a statement.
During these events, the world has turned its attention to Pakistan’s missile capabilities and their extent into Indian territory.
Pakistan’s Missile Inventory: A Breakdown
Pakistan, by the standards of ArmsControl.org, has a mix of medium- and short-range ballistic missiles at its disposal but does not, as of now, possess the long-range ballistic missiles that typically have ranges more than 3,500 kilometers and which in many instances have the capabilities for nuclear warheads delivery.
The longest-range missile available in Pakistan’s arsenal is the Shaheen-III, which was tested in 2015, and has an estimated range of 2,750 kilometers. According to Bloomberg, this missile has the capability to reach all of India, including major metropolitan cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.
Other variants in the Shaheen series include:
-
Shaheen-II: Range of 1,500 to 2,000 kilometers
-
Shaheen-I: Range of 750 to 900 kilometers
Missile in Development: Ababeel MRBM
Pakistan is also working on the Ababeel medium-range ballistic missile with a range of some 2,200 kilometers. Interestingly, this system is said to have Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) capability, enabling it to deliver multiple warheads.
Nuclear-Capable Missiles: Ghauri, Babur, and Abdali
-
The Ghauri missile, a nuclear-capable MRBM, has a range of 1,300 kilometers, according to Pakistani estimates.
-
The Babur cruise missile travels 700 kilometers and is designed to avoid radar detection with high precision.
-
Abdali, based on the Hatf-II SRBM, has a 450-kilometer range and can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. Pakistan tested the Abdali over the weekend, stating the launch was to “ensure the operational readiness of troops and validate key technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability features,” as per NDTV.
Air-Launched Cruise Missiles: Ra’ad and Ra’ad II
Pakistan’s Ra’ad air-launched cruise missiles (ALCM) are nuclear-capable and known for their accuracy. The Inter-Services Public Relations reported these missiles “can deliver nuclear and conventional warheads with great accuracy.”
The Ra’ad missile has a range of 350 kilometers.
The Ra’ad II, tested in 2020, has the capability to hit targets at a distance of 600 kilometers, improving Pakistan’s strategic standoff capabilities.
Fatah Series and Advanced Precision Capabilities
Pakistan’s Fatah-I surface-to-surface missile has a range of 120 kilometers, while the Fatah-II goes as far as 400 kilometers. The missiles are said to be based on Chinese and North Korean models. The Fatah-II, which carries a 365-kilo warhead, features a sophisticated navigation system and maneuverability and can target India’s advanced missile defense systems such as the Russian-made S-400 Triumf.
The Fatah system was also put to the test at the weekend during the ‘INDUS’ exercise, which has been named after the Indus Waters Treaty. The Pakistan government stated the aim was to try out “key technical parameters” and troop preparedness.
Nasr SRBM: Tactical Nuclear Threat
Pakistan’s Nasr missile has a short range of 70 kilometers but poses a significant threat due to its nuclear capability. It is designed for battlefield use against Indian forces and is seen as a counter to India’s ‘Cold Start’ military doctrine.
Other Missiles in Pakistan’s Arsenal
-
Exocet (anti-ship cruise missile): Range of 180 kilometers
-
Ghaznavi (SRBM): Estimated range of 290 kilometers
Pakistan as a Nuclear Power
Since its 1998 nuclear tests, Pakistan has had a nuclear stockpile in a similar size as that of India, with around 170 warheads. According to experts, this figure would increase to 200 by 2025. Pakistan does not have a ‘no first use’ nuclear doctrine like India.
John Erath, who is senior policy director at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, placed emphasis on the regional vulnerability:
“India and Pakistan have been regional competitors since they both achieved their independence… The last time we experienced things like what are happening now was in 2019.”
Erath continued, “Pakistan is certainly at a disadvantage. They have a smaller nation, a smaller army, fewer resources… including as a last resort the employment of nuclear weapons.”
Missile Threat Beyond India
Experts have highlighted Pakistan’s missile developments as an overarching global concern. Former US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer termed Pakistan an “emerging threat to the United States.” Finer cautioned that Islamabad is spending on “more sophisticated missile technology” and massive rocket motors able to reach areas far beyond South Asia.
While U.S. officials estimate Pakistan is still “several years to a decade” from achieving a long-range missile, anxiety is building.
Washington recently slapped sanctions on Chinese, Belarusian, and Pakistani companies for selling components to Pakistan’s missile program, including its long-range program. Pakistan criticized the sanctions as “discriminatory” and maintained its missile program continues to be “defensive in nature.
