The Fatah-II missile system tested by Pakistan in December is reported to pose a threat to the effectiveness of India’s expensive S-400 missile defense systems, according to The EurAsian Times.
The Fatah-II has a range of around 249 miles (400 km) and is equipped with advanced features, including state-of-the-art avionics, a sophisticated navigation system, and a distinctive flight trajectory.
The missile deploys cutting-edge flight control technology and a refined pathfinding mechanism, ensuring a circular probable error (CEP) of less than 10 meters.
Analysts suggest that the Fatah-II’s design, known as a “flat trajectory missile,” makes it challenging for radar to detect.
Umair Aslam, CEO of Global Defense Insight, stated that the Fatah-II demonstrates the potential to counter advanced air defense systems like the S-400 through saturation attacks, using a combination of Fatah-II projectiles, cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and the Fatah-I Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).
Military experts suggest that Pakistan’s development of the Fatah-II indicates its observation of recent conflicts, such as the Azerbaijan-Armenia and Russia-Ukraine wars.
The missile system is seen as part of Pakistan’s strategy to assign precision ground bombardment tasks to artillery and drone systems, deploying manned fighter aircraft for more advanced strike missions.
However, defense analysts raise questions about the S-400 system’s performance in Ukraine and suggest that further upgrades may be necessary.
Patricia Marins, a defense analyst, also questions whether these upgrades would be provided to India for its system and highlights potential adjustments needed in India’s air defense systems like SAMAR to intercept missiles like the Fatah-II.
