What is Pakistan's Fatah-II missile? Range, capability, comparison with Indian ballistic missiles and what we know so far
Pakistan on Saturday claimed Indian missile strikes on its military bases. As per Pakistan's military spokesperson, India launched missiles targeting key air bases. Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen. Ahmad Sharif stated that missiles struck the Nur Khan base in Rawalpindi, the Murid base in Chakwal, and the Rafiqui base in Jhang district of Punjab province. Following this, as per several reports, Pakistan also fired its Fatah-II missile in towards at strategic Indian location, which was reportedly intercepted successfully.
The Fatah-II is a guided artillery rocket system developed by Pakistan. The missile was first officially tested in December 2021 by Pakistan's army. It is considered an upgraded version of the Fatah-I system, with extended range and better accuracy.
The Fatah-II missile has an estimated range of around 250 to 400 kilometres. It can carry conventional warheads and is designed to strike military positions, radar installations, and logistics facilities.It is equipped with a terminal guidance system that helps it adjust its path during the final phase of flight. The missile uses inertial navigation combined with satellite guidance for mid-course correction.
Fatah-II Range: Approximately 400 kilometers.
Guidance System: Equipped with advanced avionics and inertial satellite navigation systems, enabling precise targeting with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters. Trajectory: Features a unique flat trajectory, making it challenging to detect and intercept by air defense systems. Mobility: Launched from a mobile launcher, enhancing its deployability in various terrains. Purpose: Designed for precision strikes on high-value targets deep in enemy territory, such as military bases, communication facilities, and air defense systems.
India maintains a diverse missile arsenal developed primarily by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Key systems include:
Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL):
Range: Up to 75 kilometers.
Guidance: The latest versions are equipped with guidance systems for improved accuracy.
Role: Provides quick and sustained firepower against enemy positions.
Pralay Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM):
Range: Between 150 to 500 kilometers.
Guidance: Utilizes advanced navigation systems for precision strikes.
Role: Designed for quick deployment and high-precision strikes against tactical targets.
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile:
Range: Approximately 290 to 450 kilometers.
Speed: Capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 3.
Role: Versatile missile system used for land, sea, and air-based targets.
Agni Series Ballistic Missiles:
Range: Varies from 700 kilometers (Agni-I) to over 5,000 kilometers (Agni-V).
Role: Primarily serves as a strategic deterrent with nuclear capability. Range: The Fatah-II's range of 400 kilometers places it between India's Pinaka and Pralay systems. While Pinaka has a shorter range, Pralay covers a broader spectrum, extending up to 500 kilometers.
Guidance and Accuracy: Both Fatah-II and India's advanced missile systems like Pralay and BrahMos are equipped with guidance systems
Mobility and Deployment: The mobile launch capability of Fatah-II is comparable to India's Pralay and Pinaka systems, allowing for rapid deployment and flexibility in various combat scenarios.
Strategic Role: Fatah-II is designed for tactical precision strikes, similar to India's Pralay missile. However, India's missile arsenal includes a broader range of systems, from tactical to strategic, providing a more comprehensive deterrent capability. Pakistan's military publicly announced the operational readiness of the Fatah-II system in recent years. The system has reportedly been inducted into service with the Pakistan Army's artillery units. The missile is launched from a mobile launcher, making it easier to deploy in the battlefield.The army has stated that the missile enhances its ability to conduct precision strikes at short and medium ranges. It is not part of Pakistan's nuclear missile programme and is classified as a tactical, conventional weapon.There are reports of explosions in multiple areas in Pakistan early Saturday morning. A Reuters witness confirmed that three military sites were hit. Meanwhile, blackout orders were issued in parts of India's Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir after reported drone activity and loud noises.
There is no official confirmation yet from the Indian side on the missile strike or the reported use of the BrahMos missile, which Pakistan alleges was used in the initial attack.
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