Ra'ad-II

The Ra'ad-II (Urdu: رعد-۲,"Thunder-2") is a standoff and an air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) derived from the Hatf-VIII Ra'ad.[1][2][3][4] It was first publicly unveiled on the Pakistan Day Parade on 23 March 2017,[7]

Ra'ad-II
TypeALCM[1][2][3][4]
Place of origin Pakistan
Service history
In service2020–Present
Used by Pakistan Air Force
Production history
DesignerNational Engineering & Scientific Commission
(Guidance/controls)
Air Weapons Complex
(Warhead design/assembly)
Designed2007–2019
ManufacturerAir Weapons Complex
Specifications (Technical data)
Mass≤1,100 kg (2,400 lb)
Length4.85 m (15.9 ft)
Diameter0.50 m (20 in)
Maximum firing range650 km (400 mi)
WarheadICM/HE/NE
Warhead weight450 kg (990 lb)
Blast yield5 kilotons of TNT (21 TJ)—12 kilotons of TNT (50 TJ)[5]
EngineTurbofan
Payload capacity≤450 kg (990 lb)
Operational
range
600 km (370 mi)
Flight altitudeTerrain-following
Maximum speed ≤0.8 Mach.
(980 km/h (610 mph))
Guidance
system
Inertial, Terminal
Accuracy3.0 m (9.8 ft) CEP[6]
Launch
platform
F-17A/B, Mirage-IIIR, Mirage-VR
TransportCombat aircraft

The Ra'ad features extended range, changes in its control mechanism, its guidance and enhanced flight control systems.[8]

Testing and unveiling

On 18 February 2020, Ra'ad-II was test-fired from the Pakistan Air Force's Mirage-IIIR platform.[1][2][4] The test was overseen by Ra'ad-II program manager, the Strategic Plans Division, developing contractor, NESCOM, and the Pakistan Air Force and Army's Strategic Commands.[1][9][10]

According to the ISPR, it significantly enhanced Pakistan's air delivered strategic standoff capability on land and at sea.[1][2][4]

Technical design

Data provided by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the Ra'ad-II has an extended range of 600 km (370 mi) and has a conventional tail fin configuration compared to the twin tail configuration of the previous version.[1][2][4]

It has a new "X" type tail as opposed to previous versions large horizontal tails.[4] It has a length of 4.85 m (15.9 ft), and is much lighter than the previous weapon system.[11] Design and control surfaces changes to Ra'ad-II allows to integrate with the JF-17 Thunder platform— the PAF's primary strike platform.[11]

Aerial-based deterrence

Both Hatf-VIII Ra'ad and Ra'ad-II are seen as providing Pakistan the aerial nuclear deterrence against the much larger Indian Air Force and their air defenses in an event of large scale conventional war.: 388–396 [12]

In a view of one former PAF's former fighter pilot, Ra'ad "treetop-hugging [alcm] with its minuscule radar cross-section should be a good antidote to the Indian acquired of S-400 Truimf."[13] While the Islamabad-based Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) analyst maintained that the Ra’ad-II is "Pakistan's response to Indian development of the Nirbhay cruise missile."[13]

Similar missiles

References
  1. "Pakistan test launches new Ra'ad II ALCM missile variant". AIR FORCE TECHNOLOGY. 20 February 2020. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020.
  2. "Pakistan test-launches longer-range variant of Ra'ad II ALCM". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020.
  3. Khan, Bilal (23 March 2017). "Pakistan officially unveils extended range Ra'ad 2 air-launched cruise missile". Quwa Defense News & Analysis Group. Archived from the original on 20 April 2020.
  4. Khan, Bilal (18 February 2020). "Pakistan Tests Ra'ad-II Air-Launched Cruise Missile". Quwa Defense News & Analysis Group. Archived from the original on 27 April 2020.
  5. Kristensen, Hans; Korda, Matt. "Pakistan nuclear weapons, 2023". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  6. Eshel, Tamir (30 April 2011). "Pakistan Tests Ra'ad (HATF VIII) Air-Launched Cruise Missile - Defense Update:". defense update. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  7. "Pakistan Unveils Ra'ad-II ALCM". Missile Threat. 24 March 2017.
  8. "Pakistan Unveils Ra'ad-II ALCM". Missile Threat. 24 March 2017.
  9. "US clears possible sale of IADWS to India for $1.867bn". Army Technology. 11 February 2020. Archived from the original on 25 April 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  10. Gady, Franz-Stefan. "Pakistan Test Launches Ra'ad II Nuclear-Capable Air-Launched Cruise Missile". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 22 April 2020.
  11. "Ra'ad-II cruise missile can hit Delhi from deep inside Pakistan: Report". The Week. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  12. Khan, Feroz (7 November 2012). Eating Grass: The Making of the Pakistani Bomb. Stanford University Press. p. 500. ISBN 978-0-8047-8480-1. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  13. Ansari, Usman (19 February 2020). "Pakistan tests a new cruise missile. Can it hit inside India?". Defense News. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
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