Pakistan’s Missile Power: From Fateh-2 to Shaheen – How Dangerous Is Its Arsenal?

Amid the decades-old strained relationship between India and Pakistan, missile capabilities have remained a crucial part of both countries’ military strategies. Over time, Pakistan’s missile system has become increasingly sophisticated, comprising both conventional and nuclear-capable weapons. In recent years, Pakistan has frequently showcased its missile power, and the alleged use of new missiles like Fateh-2 in recent attacks on India reflects how rapidly its defense infrastructure is evolving. Let’s take a comprehensive look at Pakistan’s key missile systems in terms of technology, tactical use, and strategic significance.

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Fateh-2 Missile: Pakistan’s New Hypersonic Threat

Developed by Pakistan, Fateh-2 is believed to be a hypersonic ballistic missile capable of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air strikes. With a speed multiple times the speed of sound, it is designed to evade interception and carry both conventional and nuclear payloads.

Technical Highlights:

•	Range: 400+ km    •	Type: Hypersonic ballistic missile    •	Payload: Conventional/Nuclear    •	Guidance System: GPS and INS based    •	Accuracy: CEP < 10 meters    

While the missile claims to evade Indian air defenses, its interception near Sirsa also indicates certain limitations in its operational impact.

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Abdali Missile (Hatf-2): Short-Range Tactical Weapon

The Abdali missile, also known as Hatf-2, is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed for tactical battlefield roles. Named after Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali, it is intended for rapid deployment in border regions.

Key Features:

•	Range: 180–200 km    •	Length: 6 meters    •	Weight: 1,750 kg    •	Payload: 250–450 kg (HE or ICM)    •	Launch Platform: Mobile truck-launcher    

Effective for short-range strikes near border areas, its limited range makes it unsuitable for deeper penetration missions.

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Shaheen Missile Series: Pakistan’s Longest-Range Arsenal

The Shaheen series includes Shaheen-1, Shaheen-1A, Shaheen-2, and the most potent of all, Shaheen-3, which has a range of up to 2,750 km.

Shaheen-3 Specifications:

•	Range: 2,750 km    •	Fuel Type: Solid-fuel    •	Design: Multi-stage ballistic missile    •	Warhead Capability: Conventional and nuclear    

Shaheen-3 is capable of targeting even India’s farthest territories like the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, giving Pakistan a sense of strategic parity.

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Ghauri Missile (Hatf-5): Old but Reliable

Based on North Korea’s Nodong missile technology, the Ghauri missile is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM). Named after 12th-century Sultan Muhammad Ghori, it is part of Pakistan’s nuclear delivery systems.

Technical Details:

•	Range: 1,500 km    •	Length: 15.9 meters    •	Weight: 15,850 kg    •	Payload: 700–1000 kg (Nuclear/HE)    •	Fuel Type: Liquid-fuel    

Designed to carry nuclear warheads, the Ghauri missile continues to be a cornerstone of Pakistan’s missile stockpile.

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Babur Missile (Hatf-7): Pakistan’s Cruise Missile Edge

Babur, a subsonic cruise missile, is often seen as Pakistan’s counterpart to India’s BrahMos missile. Known for stealth and precision, it can be launched from land, sea, or air.

Technical Specifications:

•	Range: 900 km    •	Speed: Subsonic    •	Weight: 1,500 kg    •	Length: 6.2 meters    •	Payload: 300–500 kg    

Babur’s high accuracy makes it suitable for surgical strikes against India’s sensitive installations.

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Hatf-6 (Shaheen-2): Advanced Nuclear Carrier

The Shaheen-2, also known as Hatf-6, is an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a range of up to 2,500 km. It plays a critical role in Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence strategy.

Key Attributes:

•	Range: 2,500 km    •	Altitude: Up to 300 km    •	Speed: Supersonic    •	Payload: Nuclear    

Capable of striking any major Indian city, it forms the backbone of Pakistan’s “Full Spectrum Deterrence” strategy.

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Strategic Analysis of Pakistan’s Missile Policy

Pakistan’s missile doctrine initially relied on Credible Minimum Deterrence (CMD), adopted after its 1998 nuclear tests. However, this has evolved into Full Spectrum Deterrence (FSD), which indicates readiness to retaliate at all levels—tactical and strategic.

Key objectives of FSD include:

•	Counterbalancing India’s conventional and nuclear superiority    •	Gaining tactical advantage in limited war scenarios    •	Maximizing strike capability with minimal resources    

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Threat or Deterrent for India?

Pakistan’s missile program poses a genuine threat to India, yet India’s multi-layered air defense systems—such as Prithvi Air Defence (PAD), Advanced Air Defence (AAD), and the advanced S-400 system—have significantly bolstered its missile shield.

Pakistan’s missile arsenal is diverse, spanning from short-range to intermediate-range capabilities. Its strategy focuses on maintaining a balanced deterrence against India through advancements in missile technology. The recent use of systems like Fateh-2 signals that Pakistan is investing rapidly in next-gen capabilities.

However, the effectiveness of India’s air defense systems shows that missiles alone are not enough. Ultimately, strategic restraint and technological superiority determine the true balance of power in this high-stakes regional rivalry.