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NDTV
03-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
All About Pakistan's Abdali Weapon System Tested Amid Tensions With India
Amid increasing hostility between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, Islamabad claimed it had successfully tested a ballistic missile. The test of the Abdali Weapon System was conducted on May 3 as part of a military drill titled Exercise INDUS. The move has further escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours. What is the Abdali Weapon System? On May 3, Pakistan announced it had successfully carried out a training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a claimed range of 450 kilometres. The launch was reportedly part of Exercise INDUS. The missile, also known as Hatf-II, has been developed by Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). The missile is an upgraded version of Hatf 1, a short-range, solid-fueled ballistic missile. The Hatf 2 variant has been in service since 2005. According to Missile Threat, an open-source platform, Abdaliis "carried on a road mobile transporter. The use of solid propellant and the vehicle makes the missile easy to store, transport and fire." It can carry High Explosives (HE), submunitions and conventional warheads, with a single payload weighing between 250 and 450 kg. It is classified as a short-range ballistic missile. What was the objective behind this missile test? As per the Pakistani government, the primary aim of the test was to validate the Abdali system's technical aspects and ensure the missile unit's combat readiness. Specific parameters under evaluation included the system's advanced navigation capabilities and enhanced manoeuvrability, both of which are critical for dynamic battlefield scenarios. The test was intended as a training exercise to confirm the military's ability to deploy the weapon system effectively under operational conditions. What happened in the Pahalgam attack? In the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 26 civilians were killed, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide. A terrorist group with alleged links to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) later claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident has been widely condemned and has reignited global concerns about cross-border terrorism in the region. How has India responded to the attack and Pakistan's actions since? India has responded firmly to escalating tensions with Pakistan by scrapping the Indus Waters Treaty, revoking all Pakistani visas, expelling its nationals, halting imports, banning Pakistani ships and downgrading diplomatic ties. What claims has Pakistan made in response? According to various reports, Pakistan's Information Minister Ataullah Tara alleged that India was planning a military strike within 36 hours. Since making the claim, over 72 hours have passed with no such event occurring. What lies ahead? With relations at a new low, both sides remain on high alert. Pakistan's show of military capability through the Abdali Weapon System is being watched closely, especially given the timing and political messaging behind it.
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First Post
03-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Pakistan says tested ballistic missile under 'Operation INDUS' amid tension with India
In yet another provocative move, Pakistan on Saturday confirmed the testing of a ballistic missile and claimed that the launch was part of Exercise INDUS read more Amid the brewing tensions between India and Pakistan following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack, Islamabad has claimed that it has successfully tested a surface-to-surface ballistic missile, which has the potential to hit targets that are at 450 km. Pakistan confirmed the testing of the missile on Saturday and claimed that the launch was part of Exercise INDUS. Tensions between India and Pakistan reached their peak after terrorists with links to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terror group, infiltrated a tourist destination in Pahalgam, Kashmir and killed 26 people. The incident sent shockwaves across India, with New Delhi ramping up its security measures against Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The recent launch marks a provocative act from Islamabad that also introduced several other moves, calling them a 'tit-for-tat' for India's action. 'The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile's advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability features,' the Pakistani government said in a statement regarding the missile launch. Pak PM boasts about military might Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other military chiefs boasted about their 'complete confidence in the operational readiness and technical proficiency of the forces to safeguard the country's national security,' the statement reads. It is pertinent to note that Pakistan has been regularly violating the Line of Control (LoC), the ceasefire, to provoke India. Besides this, in the past few weeks, several Pakistani leaders have made several provocative statements and indulged in warmongering. Pakistan's Information Minister Ataullah Tara had claimed India was planning an attack on the country within 36 hours. However, it has been over 72 hours since he made the claim. In the statement, the Pakistan government noted that it tested the Abdali Weapon System. The test was conducted at the Sonmiani Ranges and was likely to be part of an operational user trial conducted under the Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC), which is responsible for handling Pakistan's nuclear-capable missiles. According to the ISPR statement on the matter, the launch was administered by the 'President, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and Services Chiefs extended their congratulations to the participating troops, scientists, and engineers.' 'They expressed complete confidence in the operational preparedness and technical proficiency of Pakistan's Strategic Forces to ensure credible minimum deterrence and safeguard national security against any aggression,' the statement concluded. India is yet to respond to the launch.
