Pakistan Successfully Test-Fires Abdali Weapon System Amid Regional Tensions
Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 450 kilometers, the military’s media wing said.
The test was carried out as part of the military exercise codenamed Ex INDUS under the Army Strategic Forces Command. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the launch aimed to validate the operational readiness of troops and key technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability features.
Senior military officials observed the launch, which took place at an undisclosed location. The Abdali, also known as Hatf-II, is a tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads. Officials noted that the tested variant demonstrates significant improvements, with reports indicating its range has been extended from earlier versions.
The development comes amid heightened tensions with India following a deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month. Pakistani officials have framed the test as a routine measure to strengthen deterrence and showcase technological capabilities.
Pakistan’s military has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace while ensuring a credible defensive posture. The Abdali system, named after the 18th-century Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali, forms part of the country’s short-range ballistic missile arsenal.
