ISLAMABAD: Recent developments in Pakistan’s rocket artillery program havehighlighted a significant strategic advantage in long-range precisionstrike capabilities, as the Pakistan Army continues to advance itsindigenous guided rocket systems while India’s corresponding efforts remainin developmental stages. The anticipated test of the Fatah-5 guided rocketin 2026, projected to achieve a range of approximately 1000 kilometers,underscores Pakistan’s proactive approach to enhancing conventionaldeterrence amid regional security dynamics. This progression raisesquestions about the preparedness of neighboring forces, particularly theIndian Army, which has faced delays in matching such extended-range systems.
The Fatah family of guided multiple launch rocket systems represents acornerstone of Pakistan’s indigenous defense modernization. Initiatedaround 2015-2016 under the Ministry of Defence Production, the programaimed to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and develop extended-rangeprecision artillery. The Fatah-I, test-fired in 2021, achieved a range of140 kilometers with high-accuracy guidance, enabling effective strikesagainst logistics hubs and troop concentrations beyond traditionalartillery reach. This marked Pakistan’s entry into the domain of guidedrocket artillery, bridging the gap between conventional systems andballistic missiles.
Building on this foundation, the Fatah-II, successfully tested in late 2023and inducted into service, extended the operational envelope toapproximately 400 kilometers. Equipped with advanced avionics, inertial andsatellite navigation, and a maneuverable trajectory, the system features acircular error probable of less than 10 meters, allowing precise targetingof high-value assets such as airbases and command centers. Its flattrajectory and mobility on 8×8 wheeled platforms enhance survivabilitythrough rapid shoot-and-scoot operations, presenting challenges toadversary air defense networks.
The evolution continued with subsequent variants, including the Fatah-IVcruise missile configuration revealed in 2025 with a 750-kilometer range,further diversifying Pakistan’s conventional strike options. Theestablishment of the dedicated Army Rocket Force Command in 2025consolidated these assets under a unified structure, optimizing integrationof guided rockets, loitering munitions, and intelligence resources forsynchronized theatre-wide operations. This organizational reform reflectslessons from recent regional conflicts, emphasizing the role of precisionfirepower in limited engagements.
In contrast, India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, a domesticallydeveloped system, has progressed more gradually. Early variants offeredranges up to 45 kilometers, with guided versions extending to approximately75-120 kilometers following successful tests of the Long Range GuidedRocket in late 2025. While the Pinaka demonstrates strong indigenouscredentials and backward compatibility with existing launchers, its currentoperational reach falls short of the Fatah-II’s capabilities. Ongoingefforts to develop variants exceeding 300 kilometers remain in planning orearly testing phases, potentially requiring several years for fullmaturation.
Analysts note that Pakistan’s accelerated development trajectory hasallowed its rocket forces to maintain a lead in standoff precision strikes.The Fatah-series affordability, combined with high salvo rates and lowdetectability, provides a cost-effective alternative to more expensiveballistic missiles. This approach supports full-spectrum deterrence byenabling rapid, accurate responses without immediate escalation thresholds.Recent exercises and reported deployments have validated these systems inoperational scenarios, enhancing confidence in their reliability.
The strategic implications of these advancements are profound in SouthAsia’s security environment. A projected 1000-kilometer range for theFatah-5 would enable engagement of distant infrastructure from secure rearareas, complicating adversary planning and forcing resource dispersion.Such capabilities shift the balance toward conventional precision overreliance on nuclear options, maintaining escalation control whilestrengthening defensive posture.
Pakistan’s focus on indigenous innovation, supported by institutions suchas the National Engineering and Scientific Commission and Global Industrialand Defence Solutions, has yielded consistent progress. The integration ofmodern navigation, propulsion, and warhead technologies ensuresadaptability across diverse terrains and mission profiles. This sustainedinvestment contrasts with incremental upgrades elsewhere, highlighting adeliberate strategy to prioritize rocket artillery as a force multiplier.
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Regional observers recognize that these developments contribute tostability through credible deterrence. By demonstrating technologicalmaturity and operational readiness, Pakistan’s rocket forces deterpotential aggression while promoting confidence-building measures.Continued advancements are expected to further solidify this edge, aligningwith broader modernization objectives.
The disparity in long-range guided rocket maturity underscores theimportance of sustained research and development. While collaborativeefforts and international partnerships influence progress, indigenousmastery remains key to strategic autonomy. Pakistan’s trajectory in thisdomain serves as a model for balancing innovation with fiscal prudence indefense planning.
Source:https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/pakistan-fatah-5-1000km-rocket-long-range-precision-strike-2026/
Tags: Pakistan Army, Fatah-5, Indian Army, Pinaka MLRS, Rocket Artillery
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