Syed samiullah
Introduction:
The Ghaznavi missile, also identified as Hatf-3 within military discourse, is categorized as a Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM). Notably, it possesses an operational range of approximately 300 kilometers. What makes it a crucial asset within Pakistan’s weaponry is its versatile capacity to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. The National Development Complex (NDC) of Pakistan had been assigned the responsibility for the missile’s development, marking a strategic initiative geared towards bolstering the nation’s military capabilities.
Ghaznavi’s Development:
The genesis of this project traces its roots to 1987, signifying its initial commencement. However, subsequent to its beginning, the project experienced a temporary hiatus when Pakistan procured Chinese M-11 (DF-11) missiles in the early 1990s. Acknowledging the inherent limitations of the Chinese missiles in effectively enhancing Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence against India, the Ghaznavi program experienced a revival in 1993. In 1995, its rocket engine was successfully tested and was said to be a “major break-through in rocket development in Pakistan”. This resurgence ultimately led to its formal incorporation into military operations in 2004.
Specifications:
The Ghaznavi, with dimensions measuring 8.5 meters in length and 0.8 meters in diameter, bears a notable visual resemblance to the Chinese DF-11. It is a Supersonic missile. (Supersonic speed is the speed of an object that exceeds the speed of sound i.e. Mach 1).
In terms of weight, it possesses a launch weight of 4,650 kg, utilizing a single-stage solid propellant for propulsion. The missile is deployed from a road-mobile transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) featuring four axles. With a capacity to carry a 700 kg payload, the nuclear variant of the missile is anticipated to include a single warhead with a yield ranging from 5 to 12 kilotons. The Ghaznavi, featuring an inertial guidance system, attains an estimated accuracy of 250 meters Circular Error Probable (CEP). The integration of terminal guidance, however, has the potential to enhance its precision to 50 meters CEP.
Tests and service history:
Commencing its spaceflight endeavors in 1994, Ghaznavi achieved its inaugural launch on May 26, 2002, amid heightened tensions with India. The nuclear weapon-delivery system gained global attention in the tense climate of 2002. Subsequent to a successful test on October 3, 2003, from an undisclosed location, the Ghaznavi, with a range of 290km, entered military service with the Pakistan Army’s strategic command in March 2004. Further tests ensued, including those on December 9, 2006, February 13, 2008, May 8, 2010, and May 2012, along with a night training launch on August 28, 2019.
The most recent test launch of Ghaznavi took place on January 23, 2020. According to ISPR, Pakistan successfully executed a training launch for the surface-to-surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi, possessing the capability to deliver various warheads within a range of 290 kilometers. This launch was part of the Army Strategic Forces Command’s Field Training Exercise, conducted to practice operational readiness procedures in both day and night scenarios.
Lieutenant General Nadeem Zaki Manj, the then Director General of the Strategic Plans Division, along with other high-ranking officials, witnessed the training launch. The Director General commended the operational preparedness of the Army Strategic Forces Command, acknowledging their high proficiency in handling the weapon system. Additionally, he expressed confidence in the robustness of the Strategic Command and Control System and the capabilities of the Strategic Forces. As of 2019, Pakistan was reported to possess and operate 30 Ghaznavi launchers, approximately 16 of which were configured for the deployment of nuclear warheads.
Significance:
The strategic significance of the Ghaznavi missile within Pakistan’s military capabilities is noteworthy, as it functions as a credible deterrent against potential adversaries. Since its active deployment, the missile has demonstrated operational readiness, highlighting the efficacy of Pakistan’s Strategic Command and Control System. The missile’s commendable attributes, including its range, payload capacity, and precision, contribute substantially to Pakistan’s overarching defense strategy, particularly within the context of regional security dynamics.
The author is a Research Officer at Rabita Forum International (RFI) and the Associate Editor of Monthly Interaction.
