Pakistan Missile Threat
At the beginning of June-month, Pakistan conducted a regular test-launch of the Hatf VII Babur guided missile. Moreover, this launch was far from the first this year. Pakistan in the last ten to fifteen years began to attach particular importance to its missile weapons. At the same time, Pakistani engineers achieved some success in the field of rocket production and their creations may well cause problems for any country in the region.
The above-mentioned rocket “Hatf-7” or “Babur” was traditionally named after a famous historical character. Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur stayed in stories as a conqueror of India and founder of the Mughal dynasty. In the light of the long-standing "friendship" of India and Pakistan, the name of the rocket in honor of this particular statesman looks very interesting. However, the Pakistani rocket is designed to frighten the enemy by no means a name. The stated Babur range is 700 kilometers, and the 300 kilogram payload allows this missile to deliver Pakistani nuclear warheads to the target. In addition, developers mention low radar visibility and high accuracy. If at least most of the laudatory statements about Hatf VII are true, then India should pay attention to a possible threat from an unfriendly neighbor. Thus, the range in 700 kilometers allows you to keep under the gun about 20-25 percent of the area of India. If the "Babury" really have a small visibility for radar stations, then the fight against them will be really difficult.
It should be recognized that the Khatf-7 rocket did not appear yesterday and today. The development of this cruise missile was launched in the late 90-x. At that time, Pakistan began several projects to create missiles of various types and different purposes to enhance the offensive power of their army. The first launch of the Babur rocket was made 11 August 2005 of the year. Coincidentally (?), This event coincided with the birthday of the then President of the country P. Musharraf. In an official press release issued by the Pakistan Ministry of Defense, it was said that an experienced instance of a cruise missile had successfully covered 500 kilometers and struck a training target. The location of the launch and the approximate area of the target, however, were not called. It is noteworthy that the data on the characteristics of the new rocket were used by the Pakistani military not so much to praise the project itself as to advertise their forces. The defense ministry of the country rightly noted the pleasant fact: Pakistan replenished the "elite club" of countries that not only own nuclear weaponsbut also have serious means to deliver it. Moreover, even seven years after the first flight of Babur, Pakistan continues to be the only country in the Islamic world armed with such military-political “arguments”.
The Hatf VII Babur cruise missile has a starting mass of a little less than one and a half tons and a total length of 7 meters. During the launch, the wings of the rocket are in the folded position and the Babur cross section does not exceed 52 centimeters. The initial acceleration of the rocket occurs with the help of a solid-fuel first-stage engine. The first stage itself is actually a metal cylinder with a cone-shaped fairing on one side and nozzles on the other. The length of the first step is about 70 centimeters. After combustion of the charge, the first stage is separated and the main engine starts. According to reports, the latter is air-reactive. However, there is no exact data on its type or even class: a turbojet or turbofan engine is indicated in various sources. Pakistan itself remains silent for the time being. Simultaneously with the launch of the main engine, the wings of the rocket unfold. Their design, apparently, is based on a telescopic principle. After triggering the opening mechanism, the wingspan is 2,67 meter. Regarding the guidance system, there is no exact data yet. The Pakistani military does not disclose information about it, although they do allow some information to “leak”. It is known that Babur uses inertial guidance system and GPS navigation equipment. In addition, the automatic control is able to make a flight around the terrain. During a flight using a cruising engine, the speed of the rocket fluctuates within 850-880 km / h.
Pakistan does not only create large land-based missiles. In the spring of this year, it was reported about the beginning of the last stage of testing Hatf VIII Ra'ad rocket. The first reports of this project appeared shortly after the start of tests of the Babur rocket. Seeing the prospects of the resulting rocket, the Pakistani command wanted to receive a similar delivery system, but with the possibility of launching from aircraft. Interestingly, Hatf VII can be used from ground-based launchers, from ships or submarines, but not from aircraft. For some reason, there was no air basing. Probably, Babur’s mass and dimensional parameters had an effect. The “Hatf-8” rocket based on it is lighter on the 350 kilogram and one and a half meters shorter than the second stage “Hatfa-7”. The rest of the "Raad" to some extent similar to its predecessor. Simultaneously with the change in the dimensions of the rocket, Pakistani engineers revised the use of internal volumes. Due to the launch from the aircraft, the new rocket does not have a starter booster as a separate stage, and part of the volumes for the fuel tanks was given to the warhead. Hatf VIII can carry a warhead one and a half times heavier than warheads "Babur". Naturally, the increase in the combat qualities of the rocket affected the flight. Smaller dimensions of the rocket and, as a result, a smaller supply of kerosene led to a reduction in the maximum launch range to 350 kilometers. JF-17 joint Chinese-Pakistani fighters and French Dassault Mirage III fighters-bombers can be used as carriers of the new missile. On the tests of the rocket used modernized "Mirage".
In May 2012 of the year, the fourth stage of the test of the Khatf-8 rocket was launched. It is expected that after it it will be adopted. So by the end of this year, the offensive potential of the Pakistan Air Force can grow significantly. Naturally, the relatively short range of Ra'ad raises some questions. Thus, the American air-launched AGM-109L MRASM cruise missile (Tomahawk family), with dimensions and mass similar to the Hatf-8, had a range of about 600 kilometers. However, other versions of "Tomahawk" had a much longer range and in 1984, the development of AGM-109L was discontinued. On the other hand, Pakistan can hardly be called a world-class rocket-builder, and the Tomahawks mentioned above did not appear on level ground. To create modern cruise missiles of various bases, not only good engineers are required, but also some experience in this field. As you can see, Pakistan is doing everything to get it as soon as possible.
It is obvious that in the very near future, Pakistani designers will show the world even more advanced rockets. It's time to evaluate the possible threat. First of all, it is necessary to recognize that Pakistani missiles in the next ten years will not pose any threat to Europe. Russia is a little closer to Pakistan, however, for her, “Hatfa” is not a problem: from the northernmost point of Pakistan to Russia, about 1700 kilometers. As a result, with a range of Hatf VII missiles in 700 kilometers, Islamabad can only threaten its neighbors. Of course, from time to time there are rumors and even news on the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile Taimur with a range of about 7000 kilometers. But at the moment, the creation by Pakistan of such a delivery vehicle looks dubious. This country simply does not have the necessary technology and experience. Looking at the world map, it is not difficult to guess at whom the Pakistani missiles will be aimed first of all. Islamabad’s missiles are enough to “cover” most of India’s territory. This country also has nuclear weapons. At the same time, the Indian military has missiles with the best capabilities in range and drop weight. Together with the means for a retaliatory strike (India reserves this right, but declares no first use of nuclear weapons), India also has the means of protection against the first strike. These are Russian-made C-300PMU2 anti-aircraft missile systems, which have limited capabilities to combat ballistic targets, as well as the recently launched specialized PAD and AAD strategic missile defense systems.
In general, Pakistan’s rocket science is gradually bringing its country closer to world leaders in the field of nuclear weapons and their delivery vehicles. But the Islamic country will have to do everything on its own. Means of delivery of nuclear weapons belong to the category of weapons, which are always very sensitive things. It is unlikely that any country will share with others its groundwork in this area, even the most common or outdated. Therefore, in the coming years we will have to observe something similar to what happened in the 60s and 70s of the last century between the USSR and the USA. Pakistan and India will increase their nuclear arsenals and upgrade missiles. Hopefully, on the coast of the Indian Ocean, as well as throughout the world, the strategy of nuclear deterrence will prevail and the warheads will be safely stored in warehouses for the whole period of their storage.
On the materials of the sites:
http://janes.com/
http://missilethreat.com/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
http://odnako.org/
http://pircenter.org/
The above-mentioned rocket “Hatf-7” or “Babur” was traditionally named after a famous historical character. Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur stayed in stories as a conqueror of India and founder of the Mughal dynasty. In the light of the long-standing "friendship" of India and Pakistan, the name of the rocket in honor of this particular statesman looks very interesting. However, the Pakistani rocket is designed to frighten the enemy by no means a name. The stated Babur range is 700 kilometers, and the 300 kilogram payload allows this missile to deliver Pakistani nuclear warheads to the target. In addition, developers mention low radar visibility and high accuracy. If at least most of the laudatory statements about Hatf VII are true, then India should pay attention to a possible threat from an unfriendly neighbor. Thus, the range in 700 kilometers allows you to keep under the gun about 20-25 percent of the area of India. If the "Babury" really have a small visibility for radar stations, then the fight against them will be really difficult.
It should be recognized that the Khatf-7 rocket did not appear yesterday and today. The development of this cruise missile was launched in the late 90-x. At that time, Pakistan began several projects to create missiles of various types and different purposes to enhance the offensive power of their army. The first launch of the Babur rocket was made 11 August 2005 of the year. Coincidentally (?), This event coincided with the birthday of the then President of the country P. Musharraf. In an official press release issued by the Pakistan Ministry of Defense, it was said that an experienced instance of a cruise missile had successfully covered 500 kilometers and struck a training target. The location of the launch and the approximate area of the target, however, were not called. It is noteworthy that the data on the characteristics of the new rocket were used by the Pakistani military not so much to praise the project itself as to advertise their forces. The defense ministry of the country rightly noted the pleasant fact: Pakistan replenished the "elite club" of countries that not only own nuclear weaponsbut also have serious means to deliver it. Moreover, even seven years after the first flight of Babur, Pakistan continues to be the only country in the Islamic world armed with such military-political “arguments”.
The Hatf VII Babur cruise missile has a starting mass of a little less than one and a half tons and a total length of 7 meters. During the launch, the wings of the rocket are in the folded position and the Babur cross section does not exceed 52 centimeters. The initial acceleration of the rocket occurs with the help of a solid-fuel first-stage engine. The first stage itself is actually a metal cylinder with a cone-shaped fairing on one side and nozzles on the other. The length of the first step is about 70 centimeters. After combustion of the charge, the first stage is separated and the main engine starts. According to reports, the latter is air-reactive. However, there is no exact data on its type or even class: a turbojet or turbofan engine is indicated in various sources. Pakistan itself remains silent for the time being. Simultaneously with the launch of the main engine, the wings of the rocket unfold. Their design, apparently, is based on a telescopic principle. After triggering the opening mechanism, the wingspan is 2,67 meter. Regarding the guidance system, there is no exact data yet. The Pakistani military does not disclose information about it, although they do allow some information to “leak”. It is known that Babur uses inertial guidance system and GPS navigation equipment. In addition, the automatic control is able to make a flight around the terrain. During a flight using a cruising engine, the speed of the rocket fluctuates within 850-880 km / h.
Pakistan does not only create large land-based missiles. In the spring of this year, it was reported about the beginning of the last stage of testing Hatf VIII Ra'ad rocket. The first reports of this project appeared shortly after the start of tests of the Babur rocket. Seeing the prospects of the resulting rocket, the Pakistani command wanted to receive a similar delivery system, but with the possibility of launching from aircraft. Interestingly, Hatf VII can be used from ground-based launchers, from ships or submarines, but not from aircraft. For some reason, there was no air basing. Probably, Babur’s mass and dimensional parameters had an effect. The “Hatf-8” rocket based on it is lighter on the 350 kilogram and one and a half meters shorter than the second stage “Hatfa-7”. The rest of the "Raad" to some extent similar to its predecessor. Simultaneously with the change in the dimensions of the rocket, Pakistani engineers revised the use of internal volumes. Due to the launch from the aircraft, the new rocket does not have a starter booster as a separate stage, and part of the volumes for the fuel tanks was given to the warhead. Hatf VIII can carry a warhead one and a half times heavier than warheads "Babur". Naturally, the increase in the combat qualities of the rocket affected the flight. Smaller dimensions of the rocket and, as a result, a smaller supply of kerosene led to a reduction in the maximum launch range to 350 kilometers. JF-17 joint Chinese-Pakistani fighters and French Dassault Mirage III fighters-bombers can be used as carriers of the new missile. On the tests of the rocket used modernized "Mirage".
In May 2012 of the year, the fourth stage of the test of the Khatf-8 rocket was launched. It is expected that after it it will be adopted. So by the end of this year, the offensive potential of the Pakistan Air Force can grow significantly. Naturally, the relatively short range of Ra'ad raises some questions. Thus, the American air-launched AGM-109L MRASM cruise missile (Tomahawk family), with dimensions and mass similar to the Hatf-8, had a range of about 600 kilometers. However, other versions of "Tomahawk" had a much longer range and in 1984, the development of AGM-109L was discontinued. On the other hand, Pakistan can hardly be called a world-class rocket-builder, and the Tomahawks mentioned above did not appear on level ground. To create modern cruise missiles of various bases, not only good engineers are required, but also some experience in this field. As you can see, Pakistan is doing everything to get it as soon as possible.
It is obvious that in the very near future, Pakistani designers will show the world even more advanced rockets. It's time to evaluate the possible threat. First of all, it is necessary to recognize that Pakistani missiles in the next ten years will not pose any threat to Europe. Russia is a little closer to Pakistan, however, for her, “Hatfa” is not a problem: from the northernmost point of Pakistan to Russia, about 1700 kilometers. As a result, with a range of Hatf VII missiles in 700 kilometers, Islamabad can only threaten its neighbors. Of course, from time to time there are rumors and even news on the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile Taimur with a range of about 7000 kilometers. But at the moment, the creation by Pakistan of such a delivery vehicle looks dubious. This country simply does not have the necessary technology and experience. Looking at the world map, it is not difficult to guess at whom the Pakistani missiles will be aimed first of all. Islamabad’s missiles are enough to “cover” most of India’s territory. This country also has nuclear weapons. At the same time, the Indian military has missiles with the best capabilities in range and drop weight. Together with the means for a retaliatory strike (India reserves this right, but declares no first use of nuclear weapons), India also has the means of protection against the first strike. These are Russian-made C-300PMU2 anti-aircraft missile systems, which have limited capabilities to combat ballistic targets, as well as the recently launched specialized PAD and AAD strategic missile defense systems.
In general, Pakistan’s rocket science is gradually bringing its country closer to world leaders in the field of nuclear weapons and their delivery vehicles. But the Islamic country will have to do everything on its own. Means of delivery of nuclear weapons belong to the category of weapons, which are always very sensitive things. It is unlikely that any country will share with others its groundwork in this area, even the most common or outdated. Therefore, in the coming years we will have to observe something similar to what happened in the 60s and 70s of the last century between the USSR and the USA. Pakistan and India will increase their nuclear arsenals and upgrade missiles. Hopefully, on the coast of the Indian Ocean, as well as throughout the world, the strategy of nuclear deterrence will prevail and the warheads will be safely stored in warehouses for the whole period of their storage.
On the materials of the sites:
http://janes.com/
http://missilethreat.com/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
http://odnako.org/
http://pircenter.org/
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