WEB DESK: During the late hours between Friday and Saturday (MAY 09, 10), India reportedly conducted airstrikes targeting Rawalpindi’s Noor Khan Airbase, Sialkot Airbase, and Mianwali Airbase, utilizing surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, including the high-precision Fatah 1 missile system. These strikes prompted Pakistan to activate its military response under Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
What is the Fatah 1 missile?
The Fatah 1 is Pakistan’s modern short-range missile system, developed domestically with a range of approximately 140 kilometers. The missile was successfully tested on August 24, 2021, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s missile capabilities.
Designed as a land-to-land guided missile, the Fatah One can strike targets with high precision within its operational range. It is part of Pakistan’s Fatah missile series, which also includes the Fatah 2, capable of reaching targets up to 400 kilometers away with high accuracy. The missile can carry warheads weighing between 300 to 500 kilograms, making it a formidable tool for targeting enemy offensive capabilities and high-value defensive sites.
Key Features and Capabilities
Fatah series missile systems are distinguished by their advanced key features and capabilities. They are equipped with precision guidance technology, ensuring accurate targeting during operations. With a range of up to 140 kilometers, and some sources indicating a potential reach of up to 400 kilometers, these systems offer significant strike capabilities.
Their warhead capacity ranges from 300 to 500 kilograms, allowing for substantial explosive power. The Fatah series also emphasizes mobility and survivability, utilizing “Shoot and Scoot” technology that enables rapid relocation immediately after launch, thereby reducing vulnerability to enemy countermeasures.
Operationally, Pakistan deploys both ground-launched and artillery rocket variants of this series, which are conceptually similar to the U.S.-supplied HIMARS systems used in Ukraine, highlighting their focus on high mobility and precision strike capabilities.
Strategic Significance
The deployment of the Fatah 1 missile underscores Pakistan’s focus on stand-off capabilities, enabling it to engage targets beyond enemy defense ranges while minimizing risk to its forces.
