New Delhi: Pakistan claimed that it successfully carried out a test launch of a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 km on Saturday. Pakistan had been contemplating this launch since April 23, a day after the Pahalgam terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 persons, mostly tourists, dead.
It had issued a Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) to exercise caution over the Arabian Sea accordingly. The test launch was to be held on April 24-25, Pakistan had notified. The NOTAM continued to remain in place till Saturday when the launch was finally carried out.
The missile system that was test fired during the day is named the Abdali Weapon System. Pakistan tends to name its missiles after Muslim invaders who have been particularly harsh on Hindus. This system is clearly named after Ahmad Shah Abdali, who defeated the Marathas in 1761, paving the way for the British to gain a hold over India.
“Pakistan today conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres,” the statement released by Pakistan states.
According to sources, the Abdali is a ballistic missile system that is strategic in nature. Not only does it have vital assets in India’s northern and western parts in range, its smaller size provides mobility.
India has its Prithvi and Advanced Air Defence Systems to tackle any threat from ballistic missiles. It also has S-400 Triumf missile defence batteries in place along the western front.
Pakistan’s missile launch comes at a time when the Indian Navy has been carrying out regular firing exercises in the Arabian Sea. Several frontline warships, including the destroyer INS Surat practiced the firing of missiles recently.
