'Can engage both sea and land targets': Pak navy test-fires anti-ship ballistic missile; ISPR lauds 'high accuracy'

NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Navy has "successfully test-fired" an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-ship ballistic missile, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's information wing.

"The trial was carried out from a locally produced naval platform, enhancing the country’s defence capabilities. The missile can engage both sea and land targets with high accuracy and incorporates advanced guidance systems along with improved manoeuvrability," the ISPR noted.




"President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and the heads of the armed forces congratulated the teams of scientists, engineers, and operational units involved," it added.

Separately, a Pakistan Navy spokesperson highlighted that the launch underscored the country’s "growing technological capacity" and reaffirmed the service’s commitment to safeguarding national interests.

Pakistan has been stepping up efforts to expand its defence capabilities since the May conflict with India, which came to a halt following a ceasefire request by Islamabad. In September, the Pakistan Army conducted a training launch of the newly developed Fatah-4 — a ground-launched cruise missile with a range of 750 kilometres.

The ISPR has described the Fatah-4 as equipped with advanced avionics and navigational aids and capable of evading missile-defence systems through low-altitude, terrain-hugging flight, ensuring high-precision strikes.

India’s political and military leadership have repeatedly warned Pakistan of consequences “more serious than during Operation Sindoor" - the four-day conflict - in the event of any “misadventure” by the neighbouring country.