Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of the Fatah-II Guided Rocket System with a strike range of 400 km on May 15, said the Pakistan military’s media wing in a statement. “Equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system, unique trajectory, and manoeuvrable features, Fatah-II is capable of engaging targets with high precision and defeating any missile defence system,” it said. It is the second known test of the rocket, with the first flight test conducted in December 2023. The report said that it is being inducted into the Pakistan Army.
“Fatah-II is being inducted into Pakistan’s Artillery Divisions for standoff, precision engagement of deep targets. The rocket system will significantly upgrade the reach and lethality of Pakistan Army’s conventional arsenal,” said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the public relations wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
Currently, the Pakistan Army has Nasr, Chinese A100, and Fatah 1 rocket systems, with ranges between 70 km and 150 km. The Fatah-II, with a strike range of 400 km and a claimed ability to evade any missile defence system, is poised to enhance the Pakistan Army’s conventional strike capability.
Claiming Ballistic Missiles as Guided Rockets
While traditional rockets lacked inherent guidance systems, numerous countries have successfully developed and deployed guided rockets equipped with INS/GPS guidance for precision strikes, just like ballistic missiles. Notable examples include the American GMLRS (HIMARS), Russian Tornado-S, and Israeli Extra, which boast ranges between 70 km and 150 km.
Although both guided rockets and ballistic missiles utilise INS/GPS guidance, they exhibit significant differences. Guided Rockets are characterised by their compact size, substantial firing power (typically 6-10 rockets per launcher), and limited range compared to ballistic missiles. However, ballistic missiles, with their extended strike ranges and reduced firepower, offer a strategic advantage in certain military operations, typically deploying 1 or 2 missiles per launcher.
Short-range ballistic missiles such as India’s Pralay, Russia’s Iskander-M, and US Precision Strike Missiles offer strike ranges of 500 km with two missiles per launcher. The Fatah-II’s launcher configuration also reveals the presence of two missiles. Thus, based on these characteristics, the Fatah-II should be classified as a short-range ballistic missile rather than a guided rocket.
Defence against Guided Rockets and Ballistic Missiles
GMLRS rockets fired by HIMARS have proven to be effective in bypassing Russia’s air defence systems, inflicting severe damage to Russian military installations along the frontline. Guided missiles, owing to their compact size, high speed and ability to fire in barrage, pose significant challenges for air defence systems regarding detection, tracking, and engagement.
Short-range ballistic missiles, with speeds reaching Mach 4-6, also present a formidable challenge for traditional air defence systems. However, countries with sophisticated anti-ballistic missile capabilities could intercept these missiles.
Pakistan’s Claim of Defeating Any Missile Defense System
Pakistan’s claim suggests a direct challenge to India’s S400 system, which has become a concern for the Pakistan Air Force. Many Pakistani military experts have also asserted that the Fatah-II can evade the system with its unique trajectory and manoeuvrability.
While the S400 primarily serves as an air defence system, it is capable of intercepting short—and medium-range ballistic missiles within a 60 km radius using the 48N6 missile. Additionally, the system’s 9M96 series missiles can intercept tactical and short-range ballistic missiles.
Given thatthat modern tactical and short-range ballistic missiles can manoeuvre mid-air, they do pose a challenge to advanced systems like the S400. However, despite Pakistan’s claim, the effectiveness of these missile defence systems can’t be disregarded.
Vinay Sadham
