Pakistan Tests 120km-Range Fatah Missile Amid Rising Tensions with India
Pakistan successfully test-fired the short-range Fatah surface-to-surface missile (120km range) as part of “Ex Indus” military exercises
Military leadership including COAS Gen. Asim Munir witnessed the launch, praising operational readiness
Test follows recent launch of 450km-range Abdali missile and comes amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions
Indian P-8I surveillance aircraft detected by Pakistan Navy as New Delhi prepares civil defense drills
Strategic Context:
The missile test occurs against the backdrop of:
Escalating tensions following April’s Pahalgam attack in Kashmir (26 killed)
Recent cross-border shelling along the LoC
India’s military preparations including upcoming civil defense drills on May 8
Technical Highlights:
Fatah series represents Pakistan’s growing precision-strike capability
Previous Fatah-II test (May 2023) demonstrated 400km range with terminal guidance
Systems designed to evade anti-ballistic missile defenses
Political Response:
President Zardari and PM Shehbaz commended scientists/military
ISPR emphasized readiness to counter “any aggression”
Recent in-camera security briefing held for political leaders
Regional Security Developments:
Pakistan Navy tracking Indian P-8I surveillance aircraft (May 4-5)
India preparing civilian defense measures including:
- Air raid siren tests
- Blackout preparations
- Critical infrastructure camouflage
Analysis:
The consecutive missile tests and military posturing reflect:
Pakistan’s deterrence strategy amid frozen diplomacy
Competitive arms dynamics in South Asia
Potential for miscalculation given current tensions
The situation remains volatile as both nuclear-armed neighbors maintain heightened military alert status while accusing each other of provocative actions. International observers continue calling for restraint and dialogue to prevent escalation.
