Pakistan’s Fatah-II Short Range Ballistic Missile, A “Headache” For India

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Early this year, Pakistan conducted a test launch of the Fatah-II Short Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM)  developed by its local defence industry, showcasing yet another “show of force” to its neighboring countries, especially India dan now Iran due to the latest flare-up in the border areas. 

The Fatah-II SRBM, with a range of 400km, represents the latest variant of the Fatah-I, which could only strike targets at 150km.

Fatah-II marks a significant leap in capability from its predecessor, Fatah-I, developed in 2021.

According to Pakistani authorities, the Fatah-II guided missile is a modern weapon system equipped with avionics and inertial satellite navigation systems, enabling precise targeting with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters.

Additionally, the Fatah-II guided missile is reported to possess a unique flight trajectory, making it not only difficult to detect but also challenging to intercept by air defense systems of neighboring countries.

Brief:

Pakistan has successfully test-launched the Fatah-II Short Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), a locally developed weapon with a range of 400km, surpassing its predecessor, Fatah-I. Equipped with advanced avionics and inertial satellite navigation systems, the Fatah-II boasts high precision with a CEP under 10 meters. Its unique flight trajectory and mobile launcher system enhance its survivability against modern air defense systems like India’s S-400 “Triumf.”

Designed for precision strikes on high-value targets deep in enemy territory, the Fatah-II represents a strategic advancement for Pakistan’s military capabilities, particularly in challenging adversarial defenses and securing dominance in regional security dynamics.

Effective flight control and target tracking technologies contribute to Fatah-II’s enhanced capabilities, especially in terms of accuracy.

“The guided missile system (Fatah-II) will provide the Pakistan Army with the ability to accurately target locations within deep enemy territory,” stated a recent release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

According to information from Pakistan, the Fatah-II SRBM missile system was developed to “challenge” the Russian-made S-400 “Triumf” air defense system currently possessed by the Indian military.

The Fatah-II SRBM is considered a “solution” to Pakistan’s efforts to target high-value enemy assets, even when “protected” by modern air defense systems.

Potential “high-value” targets for the Fatah-II short-range guided missile include bridges, military bases, communication facilities, command and control centers, and enemy air defense system locations.

Military analysts quoted by several defense media outlets have emphasized that the “flat and distinctively trajectory” of the Fatah-II guided missile is a crucial feature that complicates enemy detection efforts.

Detecting the flight of the Fatah-II guided missile, especially when launched in simultaneously with other missiles, multiple rocket systems and suicide drones owned by Pakistan, could proves to be extremely challenging for its enemies.

Furthermore, launching from a mobile launcher system makes tracking the Fatah-II guided missile more difficult for enemy’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets. – DSA