Pakistan’s missile arsenal comprises short range and medium range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads. These missiles form components of Pakistan’s “full-spectrum deterrence”.

Pakistan’s rocket technology development program commenced in the 1960s and the Space Sciences Research Wing of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission was set up and Pakistan was able to receive US rocket technology know-how through its scientists visiting the United States for such training ⁽¹⁾. Assistance was also sought from North Korea and from China. 

Missile capabilities

The Hatf-1 is a road-mobile solid propelled ballistic missile and this Hatf-1 also has an improved version with an enhanced range of 100kms, Hatf-1A and Hatf-1B ⁽²⁾. These improved versions have guidance systems, but despite their ability of carry warheads of weight 500kgs, they are typically suitable as artillery systems ⁽³⁾. The Hatf-2 is also road mobile missile is called Abdali and has a range of 180-200kms. The missile has accuracy to target both counter-force assets and counter-vailing assets ⁽⁴⁾.

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