Pakistan Successfully Conducts Training Launch of Shaheen-II Ballistic Missile
On 20 August 2024 Pakistan achievedtest the successful training launch of the Shaheen-II surface-to-surface ballistic missile. This event marks a critical step in enhancing the country’s nuclear capacities during momeent of tension with india and west border with Taliban forces, clashes are ongoing since several weeks.
The training launch aimed to provide the troops with hands-on experience while validating various technical parameters of the missile. The exercise also served as a performance evaluation of different sub-systems that have been integrated into the missile for improved accuracy and survivability.
Senior officers from the Strategic Plans Division, Army Strategic Forces Command, along with scientists and engineers from strategic organizations, witnessed the launch. Their presence underscored the importance of this achievement in bolstering Pakistan’s defense capabilities.
The Director General of the Strategic Plans Division commended the technical expertise, dedication, and commitment of the scientists and engineers who played a pivotal role in making this launch a success. He emphasized that such achievements are crucial for maintaining a credible minimum deterrence posture.
Following the successful launch, the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, along with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Services Chiefs, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the entire team of scientists and engineers involved in the project. They acknowledged the team’s relentless efforts in advancing Pakistan’s defense capabilities and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the nation’s security.
The Shaheen-II missile, known for its high accuracy and robust design, is a key component of Pakistan’s strategic arsenal. With a range capable of covering significant portions of the region, its successful testing underscores Pakistan’s continued focus on strengthening its defensive deterrence.
The Shaheen missile family is a series of ballistic missiles developed by Pakistan to enhance its strategic deterrence capability. This family includes several versions, each with distinct capabilities in terms of range and precision. The Shaheen-I, also known as Hatf-IV, is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) capable of striking targets up to 750 km away. Powered by a solid-fuel engine, it can carry conventional or nuclear warheads with high precision. The Shaheen-II is an improved version with a medium range (approximately 1,500 to 2,000 km), allowing it to cover a larger part of the region. Designed for better accuracy and enhanced survivability against enemy threats, it is a key element of Pakistan’s deterrence posture. The latest in the series, the Shaheen-III, is a long-range ballistic missile capable of reaching targets over 2,750 km away. It was designed to ensure complete regional coverage, including remote areas.