Pakistan conducts test launch of Fatah-ll guided rocket system
Fatah II’s development programme began in 2021 as a way for Pakistan to use conventional warheads in its military operations. (Photo: US DoD)
The Pakistan Armed Forces has successfully carried out a test firing of the Fatah-II, an indigenously made Guided Multi-barrel Launched Rocket System (GMLRS).
The army’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) wing claimed that the new weapon could precisely strike targets at a distance of 250km to 400km. The service added that the weapon had been fitted with modern ‘avionics, sophisticated navigation system and unique flight trajectory’.
The claimed range would be a big jump compared to Fatah-I which can only reach a distance of 140km.
Fatah II’s weapons development programme began in 2021 as a way for Pakistan to use conventional warheads in its military operations. The GMLRS weapon system could allow the Pakistan Army to carry out precision target-deep strikes.
Pakistan’s efforts to develop a high-precision rocket system come amid increasing tensions with neighbouring India in the Kashmir region. Recent arms developed in the country include the Ghaznavi, a surface-to-surface missile test-launched to ensure Army Strategic Forces Command’s operational readiness.
The ballistic missile, with an operational range of up to 300km, was tested just a day after India began its trials of a cruise missile off the coast of Odisha’s Balasore district.
ISPR noted that these successes were part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to strengthen regional deterrence and enhance strategic stability.
More from Land Warfare
-
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.