New Delhi/Islamabad: Pakistan test fired a second missile on Monday, making it the second such launch since Saturday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan: “The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced accuracy.”
The Fatah surface-to-surface missile test fired on Monday is said to have been developed by Pakistan and has a range of upto 120 km. The Abdali weapons system, tested by Pakistan on Saturday, has a range of 450 km. The Abdali is apparently a ballistic missile.
Pakistan has said that the launch of the Fatah is part of the ongoing Ex INDUS.
India has said that such back-to-back missile launches are an act of provocation at a time when the two countries are engaged in a diplomatic and military stand-off. Selection of the name Indus for the exercise also makes it quite clear that this is a retaliation to India’s suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
India had suspended the treaty after the Pahalgam terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 that left 26 persons, mostly tourists from across the country, dead and several others injured. Investigations revealed that the attack was masterminded in Pakistan. At least two of the terrorists involved in the massacre are Pakistanis, it has been revealed. Pakistani leaders had called the suspension of the water-sharing treaty an act of war.
On Sunday, a Pakistani diplomat had also said that his country would launch a full-spectrum war against India if required. Pakistan’s missile launches come at a time when Indian Navy warships are also test firing missile systems in the Arabian Sea. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is also carrying out drills in central India with its Su-30 MKIs and Rafales.
The Pakistan Air Force and Navy have also gone on high alert, it has been reported.
According to a defence expert, test firing of short range missiles is clear indication that these are meant to strike targets in India. “While such a missile may not do too much damage, it has an advantage. It is a strategic weapon that has mobility. It can be fired from vehicle-mounted launchers close to the border. This would increase their strike range. However, India is certainly tracking these launches and must be planning effective deterrence,” he said.
