Pakistan tests nuclear-capable ballistic missile Shaheen-III

Shaheen-III test a significant step towards strengthening Pakistan’s deterrence capability

Pakistan has successfully conducted a flight test of Shaheen-III surface-to-surface ballistic missile.

Shaheen-III is said to be capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads up to 2,750 kilometers. The test flight was aimed at “re-validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system”, the DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar said in a tweet.

The successful flight test, with its impact point in the Arabian Sea, was witnessed by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza, Director General Strategic Plans Division, Commander Army Strategic Forces Command, Chairman NESCOM and the scientists and engineers.

The successful test launch was warmly appreciated by President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, CJCSC and three service chiefs who congratulated the scientists and engineers on their outstanding achievement.

Analysts describe the Shaheen-III test as “significant step towards strengthening Pakistan’s deterrence capability.”

The first test of the Shaheen-III missile was conducted in 2015 and the recent test with various modifications further enhance strategic stability in the region.

The Shaheen-III missile is believed to be compatible with the Ababeel Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MITREV). “With the inclusion of MITREV, GPS, Thrust Vectoring and high thrust rocket engines, the Shaheen-III SSBM is nearing commission into the Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC),” experts say.

Pakistan recently also conducted a test flight of the indigenously developed Fatah-1 rocket system which is is capable of delivering a conventional warhead up to a range of 140 kilometers.

The indigenously developed Fatah-1 surface-to-surface weapon system “will give Pakistan Army capability of precision target engagement deep in enemy territory”, the ISPR said.