Pakistan tests indigenous Fa'az missile

RAWALPINDI:

Pakistan has successfully conducted the flight test of its first indigenously developed Fa'az air-to-air missile, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of the country's aerospace and defence capabilities, the military's media wing said on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art terminal guidance system and can engage enemy aerial targets at longer ranges.

"Fa'az will significantly enhance the operational flexibility of the Pakistan Air Force, further strengthening the country's overall defence posture," the statement said.

It added that the successful flight test demonstrated the "technical maturity, innovation and self-reliance" achieved by Pakistan's defence industry.

The launch was witnessed by senior officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, along with scientists and engineers who played a key role in developing the weapon system.

The president, prime minister, chief of army staff and chief of defence forces, and services chiefs congratulated the scientists and engineers on the achievement.

Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the nation on the successful test, describing it as an important development in the defence sector.

"Our scientists and engineers have once again achieved a remarkable feat," he said, adding that the nation was proud of its scientists and engineers.

Earlier this month, the Pakistan Army successfully test-fired the extended-range version of its Fatah-2 hypersonic ballistic missile, which was equipped with advanced navigation and state-of-the-art avionics.

The ISPR had said the missile was capable of engaging targets with high precision and defeating enemy missile defence systems because of its unique trajectory and manoeuvrability. Its extended range would further enhance the army's reach and ability to engage deep targets, it added.

A week before that announcement, an extended version of the indigenously developed Fatah-4 ground-launched cruise missile was successfully test-fired.