*ISLAMABAD, (BM)* – On 18 February Pakistan’s Inter Services PublicRelations (ISPR) announced the successful testing of a RAAD-II air launchednuclear capable cruise missile, learned BulgarianMilitary.com.
The missile was launched by a Mirage III fighter, and would allow theaircraft to strike targets unto 600km away.
This new capability *“significantly enhances”* the Air Force’s *“airdelivered strategic standoff capability on land and at sea”* – according tothe ISPR statement, which further noted that the RAAD-II *“is equipped withstate-of-the-art guidance and navigation systems ensuring engagement oftargets with high precision.”*
JF-17 will eventually integrate the RAAD-II missile to complement itsexisting standoff cruise missiles – possibly the JF-17B which with a twinseat configuration can accommodate a weapons systems officer making itbetter suited to a strike role.
The new missile appears to be more compact and lighter than the originalRAAD design, and is thought to be more precise and have superior electronicwarfare countermeasures.
The RAAD-II was first unveiled in March 23rd 2017 during a major militaryparade, and its development comes as part of a broader effort by Pakistanto diversify its nuclear delivery capabilities.
Other recently tested nuclear delivery systems have included strategicplatforms such as the Shaheen-II, the Babur-III submarine launched nuclearcapable cruise missile and at the lowest level the Nasr nuclear rocketartillery system.
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The Mirage III is the most widely fielded fighter in the Pakistani AirForce – and is widely considered obsolete with Pakistan being the onlyremaining operator of the class.
The platform has been extensively modernised since its entry into servicehowever, improving its capabilities from an early second generation fighterto one with respectable third generation capabilities.
The Mirage III is still far inferior in air to air to anything in thefleets of neighbouring India or Iran, and allocating the aircraft a nucleardelivery role through integration of new radar evading cruise missilescould allow them to remain relevant – while avoiding allocating moresophisticated but scarce F-16 and JF-17 fighters to such a role.
It is expected that the JF-17 will eventually integrate the RAAD-II missileto complement its existing standoff cruise missiles – possibly the JF-17Bwhich with a twin seat configuration can accommodate a weapons systemsofficer making it better suited to a strike role. – BulgarianMilitary.com
