Pakistan Successfully Tests 120km Range Fatah Missile: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday successfully conducted a training launch of the Fatah Series surface-to-surface missile, boasting a range of 120 kilometers. The test, part of the ongoing military exercise “Ex Indus,” was confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

This missile launch comes at a time of escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, following India’s aggressive actions after a deadly attack in occupied Kashmir. According to the ISPR, the primary purpose of the launch was to test the operational readiness of the military and to verify key technical features, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced accuracy.

The training exercise was observed by senior military officials, as well as scientists and engineers from Pakistan’s strategic organizations. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Army Chief commended the participating troops, scientists, and engineers for their efforts. They expressed full confidence in the army’s ability to protect Pakistan’s territorial integrity and defend against any external threats.

President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the nation’s scientists and engineers on the successful missile test and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to national defense. He praised the security forces’ efforts to bolster the country’s defense capabilities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the leadership of the military, highlighting the importance of the missile launch in demonstrating Pakistan’s defense readiness. He expressed satisfaction with the Pakistan Army’s preparedness and its professional capabilities to secure the nation’s defense.

Earlier in the week, Pakistan conducted another successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile with a 450km range. Last year, the country also tested the Fatah-II guided rocket system, which can reach up to 400 kilometers and has enhanced precision and evasive capabilities against enemy missile defense systems.

The missile tests come amid heightened tensions following an attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 people, mainly tourists. While India has suggested cross-border links without providing evidence, Pakistan has firmly rejected the claim and called for an impartial investigation. Since the attack, the two countries have witnessed increased military activity along the Line of Control (LoC), with Pakistan reinforcing its forces in anticipation of potential escalation.

On April 25, unprovoked Indian shelling along the LoC was met with a strong response from the Pakistan Army, which continued for several days.

In a recent closed-door session in Islamabad, ISPR Director General Lt. General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar briefed political leaders on national security matters. General Chaudhry assured that the Pakistan Army was fully prepared to respond to any aggression. He emphasized that Pakistan’s military was ready to deliver a strong reply if the country was provoked.

Source: Web Desk