Shaheen-I

The JS HQ officially adopted the codename of the missile as "Hatf–IV.[3] It has been reported that it was Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who suggested the name "Shaheen" by taking a cue from philosopher Iqbal's poetic symbol Shaheen Falcon.[3] After being test fired in 1999, JS HQ officially codenamed the missile as "Hatf–IV Shaheen.[3] Though its variants are now known as Shaheen-I and Shaheen-IA.

The Shaheen-I is a nuclear weapons-delivery capable and short-range ballistic missile with a range of 750 km (470 mi); it is propelled by two-stage solid-fuel rocket motor.[2] The Shaheen-I is said to be extremely accurate and precise with Pakistani military data stating that its CEP is between 25 m (82 ft)–50 m (160 ft).[4] This is partly due to a post-separation attitude correction system.[5]

This system would allow the missile to modify its trajectory, improving accuracy and, along with the stealthy warhead shaping, giving some capability to evade missile defence systems.[6][7] It is based on terminal guidance system technology, which improves warhead accuracy by firing small thrusters to adjust the warhead's trajectory and uses satellite navigation systems to help find the target. Such systems would allow the Shaheen to be used against strategic targets without requiring a nuclear warhead to ensure the target's destruction.[5]

The Shaheen-1A is a strategic nuclear weapon delivery-capable system that was first test fired at Air Force's Flight Test Range on 7 April 2012.[8] Initially, the ISPR and the American media identified this missile as medium-range ballistic missile, but the Pakistani military confirms that it is a short-range missile with extended range.[9][10]

No data had been shared by the military that led the speculations about the missile's capabilities.[11] However, a civilian analyst on military affairs in Islamabad reportedly noted that the this missile could be equipped with warheads designed to evade missile defense systems.[12] The speed of the Shaheen 1A also provides an extremely high impact speed for nearby targets, enabling it to avoid any anti-ballistic missile defenses that may develop in the immediate region.[12] A European diplomat in Islamabad mentioned that the Shaheen-1A missile seems to have an improved ability to strike at its targets.[12] It also has a more powerful engine, which means that it travels at scramjet speeds and can strike at longer distances than Shaheen-1.[12]

On 25 April 2012, the ISPR revealed more information about the missile, noting that the weight is approximately 10,000 kg, slightly heavier than its predecessor and can carry a single 1000 kg warhead.[13] In addition, the Shaheen IA primarily contains sophisticated automated refueling and advanced stealth technology features that were not present in its previous version to avoid detections from radars.[14] All three Shaheen missiles, Shaheen I, Shaheen 1A and Shaheen II are reportedly equipped with the latest PSAC (Post-Separation Attitude Correction) system. This is a unique feature which consists of small thrusters that can adjust the warhead trajectory for greater accuracy and evading anti-ballistic missile defence systems.[15] The features of the missile could also serve as a testbed of features which could be implemented on the yet to be deployed Shaheen III.[16][17] Shaheen-1 A ( Hatf IV), with a range of 900 km, was test-fired on 17 November 2014.[18]