Pakistan tests a 249-mile strike weapon putting S-400 at risk

Bulgarianmilitary.com reports about Pakistan's new test of Fatah-II long-range missile. Caliber.Az reprints the article.

Pakistan recently conducted tests on its own long-range missile, the Fatah-II. With an impressive range of 249 miles [400 km], this high-precision weapon is seen by Islamabad as a contender against India’s S-400 missile defense system.

The Inter-Services Public Relations [ISPR] revealed some essential details about the Fatah-II. This includes cutting-edge avionics, a complex navigation system, and a unique flight trajectory. 

If you’re interested in cutting-edge missile technology, look no further than the Fatah-II. This two-round, guided rocket system, showcased in detail by ISPR’s footage, is set atop the nimble, eight-wheel Chinese Taian TAS5450 drive chassis. 

What makes the Fatah-II stand out from its peers? Its state-of-the-art flight control technology and improved pathfinding system, for starters. Plus, with the inclusion of satellite and inertial navigation systems, it boasts impressively accurate precision, to an error of less than 10 meters.

Such pinpoint precision elevates the Fatah-II to an eminent position in the world of missile technology. But don’t just take our word for it. Umair Aslam, CEO of Global Defense Insight, said in an interview that “this technology enhances the Pakistani military’s ability to target strategic assets like bridges and air defense units within a 400-kilometer radius. That’s thanks to its unparalleled navigation and avionic technologies.” 

The Fatah-II meshes effortlessly with missile systems like the Fatah-I, the Chinese A-100, the Yarmouk series, and the Nasr tactical ballistic missiles.

Perhaps the most significant feature of the Fatah-II is that it can target with accuracy over a 400-kilometer distance. That’s a significant increase from the 140-kilometer range of the Fatah-I. It’s a game-changer for long-range artillery. 

Military experts often refer to the Fatah-II as a “flat trajectory missile,” making it exceedingly difficult to detect by radar. Could this have been a deliberate design choice? If so, it certainly accrues a strategic advantage, making detection harder and enabling precise targeting. 

From these insights, it’s clear that the Fatah-II is not a usual missile. It’s a meticulously designed system poised to define the future of long-range artillery.

India’s S-400 at risk

The Fatah-II, an advanced missile system, successfully passed its test run. Experts worldwide and Pakistani media suggest it might be a strong match for India’s premier S-400 missile system. 

Many even believe the Fatah-II could be a crucial tool in Pakistan’s strategy to keep India in check. Its unique Fatah II flat trajectory could make it more challenging for the radar systems to detect.

Umair Aslam, a noted expert, believes that once the Pakistani army adopts the Fatah-II, it will pose a significant challenge to the Indian armed forces. 

Aslam further explains that Fatah-II’s ability to counter modern defense systems and engage the S-400 through saturation attacks represents a critical addition to Pakistan’s military arsenal. 

Frank O’Donnell from the South Asia Program at Stimson Center views the emergence of Fatah-2 as a smart move by Pakistan, learning from recent conflicts like the Azerbaijan-Armenia and Russia-Ukraine wars. 

However, Defense analyst Patricia Marins encourages caution due to limited data regarding the missile’s precise trajectory and expresses her concerns about India’s locally developed defense systems. 

Marins highlights the challenges anti-missile systems might face due to the reach and mobility of the Fatah-II. The recent Ukraine conflict serves as a sobering reminder that any missile type can threaten anti-missile systems, particularly those not thoroughly tested.