Pakistan has carried out a test of an upgraded version of its Fatah-2 missile, several months after an earlier variant was intercepted and destroyed by India during Operation Sindoor. The latest development underscores Islamabad’s efforts to address weaknesses in its missile systems that were exposed during that confrontation.
At the height of last year’s tensions, Pakistan reportedly launched a ballistic missile—believed to be the Fatah-2—towards India, possibly targeting Delhi. The missile, however, was intercepted and neutralised by an Indian Air Force unit stationed in Haryana, highlighting shortcomings in Pakistan’s strike capabilities at the time. On Tuesday, Pakistan conducted a fresh test of an upgraded Fatah-2 system, which is now said to have a maximum operational range of approximately 400 kilometres.
According to Pakistan’s military media wing, the improved missile incorporates advanced avionics and modern navigation technologies. These enhancements suggest upgrades in its onboard electronics, including guidance systems and communication modules, aimed at improving targeting precision and operational reliability. The earlier version of the Fatah-2 reportedly lacked such sophistication, which contributed to its failure during Operation Sindoor.
The Fatah-2, introduced in 2024 as a successor to the shorter-range Fatah-1 system (which had a range of about 150 kilometres), is essentially a guided multiple-launch rocket system capable of firing several rockets in quick succession. Pakistan has indicated that the upgraded variant is comparable to systems such as Russia’s Tornado-S and China’s PHL-191. While detailed specifications remain limited, officials stated that the recent launch was conducted as part of training exercises to evaluate improved accuracy and survivability.
One of the notable claimed features of the Fatah-2 is its ability to alter its trajectory during flight, a capability intended to help evade missile defence systems. With its extended range of 400 kilometres, several Indian cities near the border—including Chandigarh, Sirsa, Pathankot, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana—fall within potential reach. If deployed closer to the border, even areas around Delhi could be threatened.
The missile test follows Pakistan’s reported move to establish an Army Rocket Force Command, a step believed to have been taken after India significantly degraded its long-range strike infrastructure during Operation Sindoor. Reports suggest that Pakistan may have received technical support from China, particularly from the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force, which manages both conventional and nuclear missile assets.
Defence analyst Sandeep Unnithan noted that the test reflects Pakistan’s attempt to recover from setbacks experienced during the conflict. He pointed out that India had struck multiple Pakistani airbases using BrahMos missiles, which were not intercepted. In contrast, Pakistan’s attempt to retaliate with a Fatah-2 missile was unsuccessful, as it was intercepted on May 10 by Indian air defence systems.
India’s response during the conflict was triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 fatalities. Following that, Pakistan launched drones and missiles targeting border regions, though its efforts were largely countered by India’s defence network.
The interception of the earlier Fatah missile was achieved using the Barak-8 system. In addition to this, India maintains a layered air defence architecture that includes systems like the S-400 and the Akash missile system. These capabilities provide India with the ability to detect, track, and neutralise incoming threats, including potentially upgraded variants such as the Fatah-2.
