Islamabad: Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, the latter has claimed to have successfully tested a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a 450-km range on Saturday. The missile, known as the Abdali Weapon System, was launched as part of Exercise INDUS.
What are the features & capabilities of Abdali missile?
The Abdali missile is named after Ahmad Shah Durrani, also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali, was the first ruler and founder of the Durrani Empire. He is often regarded as the founder of modern Afghanistan.
The Abdali missile also known as Hatf-II, developed by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), is a road-mobile, solid-propellant missile system designed for battlefield use.
The missile is capable of carrying a high-explosive payload or submunitions, with a reported Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 150 meters—indicating high targeting accuracy. The short-range weapon system is launched from a Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL), allowing for quick mobility and deployment.
The range of the missile is 180–200 km. However, Pakistan claims the missile has a range of 450 km. The missile is suitable for attacking military bases, airfields, industrial and power infrastructure.
Reportedly, the missile's destruction capacity is relatively limited because of the warhead size, and is optimized for tactical use.
The Pakistani government said," 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 maneuverability features,"
According to local media, the training launch was observed by Pakistan's Commander Army Strategic Forces Command, senior officials from the Strategic Plans Division, Army Strategic Forces Command, as well as scientists and engineers from Pakistan’s strategic organisations.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and chiefs of Pakistan’s armed forces congratulated the personnel involved in the testing of the missile.
According to sources, India views any missile test by Pakistan as a grave provocation.
