Pakistan Army successfully tests Fatah-2 extended-range missile

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Army on Tuesday successfully test-fired an extended-range version of its Fatah-2 hypersonic ballistic missile, the military’s media wing said.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the weapon system is equipped with advanced navigation capabilities and state-of-the-art avionics.

The Fatah-2 Extended Range (ER) missile is capable of engaging targets with high precision and defeating enemy missile defence systems through its trajectory and manoeuvrability, the ISPR said.

Its extended range will further enhance the army’s reach and ability to engage targets deep within enemy territory, it added.

The test launch was witnessed by the Commander of the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC), senior Pakistan Army officers, and scientists and engineers involved in the missile’s development.

The ARFC commander praised the dedication and technical expertise of the scientists and engineers, according to the statement.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, and the services chiefs congratulated the scientists and engineers on the successful test launch.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the nation on the successful test launch of the Fatah-2 hypersonic ballistic missile’s extended-range version.

He said Pakistan Army scientists and engineers had achieved a commendable feat, describing the successful test as a significant development in the country’s defence sector.

“Pakistan’s distinguished scientists and engineers are a source of pride for us,” Naqvi said.

He added that Pakistan had achieved an important milestone in the defence sector.