Army successfully tests extended-range Fatah-2 hypersonic missile

The Pakistan Army has successfully test-launched the extended-range version of its Fatah-2 hypersonic missile, marking another development in the country’s missile capabilities, the military’s media wing announced on Tuesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Fatah-2 extended-range (ER) missile is equipped with advanced navigation systems and modern avionics. These features are designed to improve its accuracy and operational performance.

The military said the missile can engage targets with high precision. Its distinctive flight trajectory and manoeuvrability are also designed to help it overcome enemy missile defence systems.

The extended-range version is expected to increase the Pakistan Army’s operational reach and ability to strike targets deep within an adversary’s territory, according to the statement.

The test launch was witnessed by Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC) chief Lieutenant General Nauman Zakaria, along with senior military officers, scientists and engineers involved in the missile programme.

The ARFC commander praised the dedication and technical expertise of the scientists and engineers who contributed to the development of the weapon system, ISPR said.

Following the successful test, the president, prime minister and chief of defence forces congratulated the scientists and engineers involved in the project. Their congratulations recognised the successful development and testing of the extended-range Fatah-2 system.

The latest test follows another missile development milestone last week, when Pakistan successfully tested an extended-range version of its indigenously developed Fatah-IV ground-launched cruise missile.

According to the military, the Fatah-IV system features advanced avionics and modern navigation aids that enable it to engage targets at extended distances with high precision. The test also validated additional technical parameters of several subsystems designed to improve accuracy and survivability.

The successive tests highlight Pakistan’s continued efforts to develop indigenous missile systems and enhance their range, precision and operational capabilities. However, no specific range or other detailed performance figures for the Fatah-2 ER were provided in the announcement.