What is 'Fateh-2' and why has it become a source of concern for India's blood pressure due to the Pakistan Army's possession of this weapon?

 

Recently, the Pakistan Army has incorporated a short-range ballistic missile into its arsenal. This weapon has been deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) at the Pakistan-India border. Defense analysts have noted that this missile poses a significant challenge to India's S-400 air defense system.

The Indian Air Force primarily relies on the Russian-made S-400 to intercept enemy missiles mid-air. Currently, three units of this system are stationed along the borders with Pakistan and China.

According to reports from the country's media, military officials in Pakistan conducted the first test of the 'Fateh-2' missile in December 2023. Training for soldiers to operate this weapon was also provided in May of the previous year. 

Islamabad asserts that in the current context, the...On March 3 of this year, Islamabad made the final decision to deploy the 'Fateh-2' near the Line of Control (LoC). There is no doubt that this move indicates the Pakistani military's intention to breach India's robust defense network. However, international relations experts believe that this decision by the Shahbaz Sharif government has intensified the arms race in the Indian subcontinent.

‘

The 'Fateh-2' was developed by Pakistan's governmental agency, Global Industries and Defense Solutions (GIDS). Prior to this, the agency had created a missile named 'Fateh-1', which had a range of only 140 kilometers. Since then, defense researchers in Islamabad have been striving to enhance the missile's range.

Regarding the deployment of 'Fateh-2' near the Line of Control, Pakistani officials have already made statements to the media.

Analysts assert that the only effective method to penetrate the S-400 defense system is to launch hundreds of missiles simultaneously, akin to the "Fateh-Tour" strategy. Additionally, swarms of suicide drones would accompany this assault. In such a scenario, it would be improbable for the S-400 to intercept and destroy all incoming missiles mid-air. This vulnerability in air defense systems has been observed during the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East over the past year and a half. Should Pakistani generals employ this tactic against India, it would not come as a surprise.

Experts speculate that instead of directly targeting the S-400, the Pakistani military may devise a plan to neutralize the associated radar and command-control systems. If successful, this could render the air defense system ineffective, despite its presence, thereby posing a significant challenge for the Indian Air Force. This situation is also perceived as a considerable threat for New Delhi. 

The short-range "Fateh-Two" missile could be utilized in this context.