Abdali Missile Of Pakistan Army

Abdali-I named after the Pashtun king Ahmad Shah Abdali, the founder of the Durrani Empire) is a supersonic short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), and currently in operational service with the Pakistan Armed Forces.

The Abdali program was conceived and originally designed by the Space Research Commission in 1990s. The program's first derivative was originally designed as the two-stage version of the Hatf-I, essentially a solid-propellant stage was attached to the bottom of a Hatf-I. However, the program was canceled in 1994, likely due to the purchase of the M-11 missiles from the People’s Republic of China. In 1995, SUPARCO successfully persuaded and designed a new module for the Abdali program which was started the same year.

Design and Specification Of Abdali Missile System Of Pakistan Army :-

Its accuracy is sufficient for use against military targets such as bases or airfields. It is carried on a road mobile Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) vehicle. The use of solid propellant and the TEL vehicle make the missile easy to store, transport and fire.

The Abdali-I has a range of 180 km and an accuracy of 15 m CEP. It is equipped with an inertial guidance system with terminal guidance. It can be equipped with a variable payload up to 500 kg, and can carry single HE explosive or cluster sub-munitions warheads. It has a launch weight of 1,750 kg. It uses a single-stage solid propellant engine and has a length of 9.75 m and a width of 0.56 m. Abdali Missile Is capable of delivering tactical nuclear weapons.

Development History and Deployment Status Of Abdali Missile :-

The original Abdali-I missile started development in 1987 and was first displayed in 1989. Another consideration may have been the purchase from China of the M-11 missiles with similar capabilities. Since the program was restarted with a new design in 1997, it has been flight tested in 2002, 2005 and 2006. Abdali is currently deployed and under production.

Abdali Missile Of Pakistan Army During A Demonstration
( Portrait Of Muhammad Ali Jinnah In The Background)

Naming Controversy Of Abdali Missile :-

In February 2006, the Government of Afghanistan delivered a complained to Pakistan over naming its lethal ballistic missiles after Afghan kings and rulers (i.e. Abdali, Ghaznavid and Ghauri), arguing that their names should be bracketed with academic, cultural and peace-promoting institutions, not with tools of destruction and killing. However, Pakistan declined to change the missiles' names stating that these Muslim rulers are considered heroes in Pakistan as well, and naming missiles after them is not controversial.

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Hatf One Missile Of Pakistan Army

Hatf I is a subsonic battlefield range ballistic missile (BRBM) which entered service with the Pakistan Army in the early 1990s. It is deployed as an artillery rocket and has been replaced by the improved Hatf-IA and Hatf-IB, which have a maximum range of 100 km.

Hatf is an Arabic word meaning "Deadly" or "Vengeance". The name comes from the sword of Prophet Muhammad Sallal Laho Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam, Al-Hataf.

Development and Design Of Hatf One :-

Hatf I was designed in the 1980s as a highly mobile missile for tactical use. The design is said to have been derived from the second-stage of the French Eridan missile system. Its major use is as an unguided general bombardment weapon, to be fired across a battlefield or at a general target area. If properly aimed, it can hit within several hundred meters of the target area. The missile is low cost and easy to produce and maintain in large numbers. The Hatf I missile development program dates back to the 1980s. The Hatf-I was officially revealed by Pakistani officials in 1989 and it is believed to have entered service in 1992.

Hatf Nasr 9 Missile Of Pakistan Army
Strategic Forces Approaching Target Location

The Hatf I has a range of approximately 70 km (43 mi) and can carry a 500 kg conventional or non-conventional warheads. As it is unguided, it should be considered a long-range artillery shell, with the location of the impact depending upon the proper direction, angle of launch and the ability of the missile to fly straight. The Hatf-I is deployed with high explosive or cluster munitions, although it can theoretically carry a tactical nuclear weapon. The missile has a diameter of 0.56 m and is 6 m in length. It uses a single-stage solid propellant rocket motor.

The Hatf IA and Hatf IB are upgraded versions with improved range and accuracy. The Hatf IA increased maximum range to 100 km by using an improved rocket motor and lighter materials in the missile's construction. The dimensions and the payload capacity remain the same. Hatf-IA is believed to have entered service in 1995.

The Hatf IB represents the final evolution of the Hatf I missile system. It includes an inertial guidance system that considerably improves the accuracy of the missile and is otherwise identical to the Hatf IA, retaining the maximum range of 100 km and payload of 500 kg. The inertial guidance system allows the missile to be used as an artillery rocket against enemy military encampments or storage depots etc. The missile system is designed to be used like an artillery system, with 5-6 missiles fired simultaneously at the target area. Being a ballistic missile the Hatf-IB would reach its target much quicker than an ordinary artillery shell giving the target little warning to take evasive action.

Hatf-IB was first flight tested in February 2000. All current Hatf-I missiles have been upgraded to Hatf-IB standard as of 2001. The system is operational with Pakistan's armed forces.

Some Variants Of Htaf One Missile System Of Pakistan Army Strategic Forces :-

Hatf I - Maximum range: 70 km (43 mi) Payload: 500 kg (1,100 lb), unguided.

Hatf IA - Maximum range: 100 km (62 mi) Payload: 500 kg (1,100 lb), unguided.

Hatf IB - Maximum range: 100 km (62 mi) Payload: 500 kg (1,100 lb) with inertial navigation system.

Hatf IV - Maximum range: 900 km (560 mi) Payload: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) with inertial navigation system.

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