Pakistan Successfully Tests Ghaznavi Missile
Pakistan has successfully conducted a test launch of its nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile, the Ghaznavi, on February 3, 2021. This test underscores Pakistan’s strategic capabilities in the realm of missile technology and its ability to deliver both nuclear and conventional payloads to predetermined targets.
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The launch of the Ghaznavi missile was a significant event as it marked the culmination of the Annual Field Training Exercise of the Army Strategic Forces Command. This exercise is an essential part of Pakistan’s strategic defense objectives, ensuring readiness and operational capability. The media wing of the Pakistan Army issued a statement confirming the successful execution of the missile test.
The ballistic missile Ghaznavi is designed to carry both nuclear and conventional warheads and has a maximum range of approximately 290 kilometers. This capability enables Pakistan to maintain a credible deterrent within a specific strategic threshold. The training launch was a demonstration of the missile’s operational readiness and was observed by high-ranking military officials, including Commander Army Strategic Forces Command Lt Gen Muhammad Ali, senior officers from the Army Strategic Forces Command, Strategic Plans Division, and key scientists and engineers from strategic organizations.
Operational Readiness Demonstrated in Day and Night Modes
The Ghaznavi missile has been tested to operate effectively in both day and night modes, showcasing its versatility and reliability under different operational conditions. This ensures that Pakistan’s strategic forces are capable of responding at any given time, irrespective of the time of day, which is crucial for maintaining a robust defense posture.
Context of Missile Testing in Pakistan’s Defense Strategy
The test-firing of the Ghaznavi follows the recent testing of another significant missile in Pakistan’s arsenal, the Shaheen-III, on January 20. The Shaheen-III is a more advanced, nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile with an extended range of up to 2,750 kilometers, demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to advancing its missile technology and strategic reach.
The Ghaznavi missile is a surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile that became operational within the Pakistan Army in 2012. It was developed by the National Development Complex (NDC), a premier Pakistani defense and aerospace contractor. The missile measures 9.64 meters in length and has a diameter of 0.99 meters, making it a formidable component of Pakistan’s strategic arsenal.
The successful test of the Ghaznavi missile is a clear indication of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to enhance its strategic defense capabilities. By regularly conducting training exercises and tests, Pakistan continues to reinforce its deterrence posture and demonstrate its technological prowess in missile development.