Pakistan conducted a training launch of its ‘Fatah’ series surface-to-surface missile today, marking its second missile test after the Pahalgam terror attack. The missile, said to have a range of 120 km, was launched as part of its ongoing military exercise ‘Indus’.
“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 manoeuverability features,” said the military’s official media wing – the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) – in a press release, reports Dawn.
This test was preceded by its surface-surface Abdali missile launch on Saturday, which according to the military has a range of 450km.
The ISPR noted that the launch was a part of the Armed Forces’ ‘Ex Indus’ exercise, and was witnessed by the commander of the Army Strategic Forces Command (AFSC), senior officials from the Strategic Plans Division and the AFSC, 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 General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the services chiefs extended their congratulations to the participating troops, scientists, and engineers, the ISPR said.
“They expressed complete confidence in the operational preparedness and technical proficiency of Pakistan’s Strategic Forces to ensure credible minimum deterrence and safeguard national security against any aggression,” the statement added.
Pakistan’s latest missile test comes amid hostile relations with New Delhi after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which led to 26 casualties. After India’s retaliatory moves, which included suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down the Attari border, revoking its airspace for all Pakistani flights, and cutting off its international trade routes, Islamabad has been in panic mode.
Since New Delhi’s punitive measures, Islamabad has shut down its own airspace for Indian flights, is conducting frantic naval exercises in the Arabian Sea, engaged in daily cross-fire at the LOC, and is now conducting missile tests to present a strong image to its public.
