Pakistan army conducts successful test of Fatah-II guided rocket system

Tariq Butt, Correspondent

The Pakistan Army on Wednesday successfully conducted the training launch of Fatah-II Guided Rocket System capable of carrying out precision engagement of deep targets, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced in a statement.

The rocket system, which has a range of 400 kilometres, is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation system, unique trajectory and maneuverable features. The missile is capable of “engaging targets with high precision and defeating any missile defence system,” the ISPR said.

According to it, the launch was aimed at perfecting the launch drills and procedures. “Fatah-II is being inducted in Pakistan’s Artillery Divisions for stand-off, precision engagement of deep targets. The rocket system will significantly upgrade the reach and lethality of Pakistan Army’s conventional arsenal,” it said.

The rocket system’s launch was witnessed by the chief of the general staff of the Pakistan army, senior officers from the three services and dedicated scientists and engineers.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee, the chief of army staff and all services chiefs congratulated the participating troops and scientists on this excellent achievement, the ISPR said in its statement.

In a statement, Shahbaz said Fatah-II is result of tireless work of Pakistan army and scientists which is making the country’s defence impregnable with every passing day. The prime minister, calling the launch an outcome of untiring efforts by Pakistan army and scientists, expressed the hope that Fatah-II would help further strengthen the defence of Pakistan, according to a PM Office statement.

He said the constant efforts by the Pakistan army and scientists continued to making Pakistan’s defence impregnable.

The development was described as the landmark for Pakistan, which will augment the defence of the country. It was said that the launch of Fatah-II Guided Rocket System has sent a clear message to all and sundry that Pakistan is fully conscious of its defence requirements.

Earlier, the army conducted a successful flight test of the Fatah-II missile system.

The test was witnessed by senior officers from the tri-services, scientists and engineers, said the ISPR.

The test of the ballistic missile system was aimed at “re-validating various designs, technical parameters, and performance evaluations of different sub-systems,” a press release stated.