Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, government sources have reported that a Pakistani Fatah-II missile, purportedly aimed at Delhi, was successfully intercepted over Sirsa, Haryana. This incident occurred during a period of heightened military activity and cross-border exchanges.
The Fatah-II is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by Pakistan's Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS). It is considered an upgrade over its predecessor, the Fatah-I, boasting a range of approximately 400 kilometers. The missile is equipped with advanced avionics, a sophisticated navigation system integrating inertial and satellite guidance, and a unique flight trajectory designed to evade interception. Its mobility, being launched from a mobile twin-cell canister system, further complicates detection and tracking. Pakistan has positioned the Fatah-II as a countermeasure to India's S-400 air defense systems. It is designed to strike high-value targets such as bridges, military bases, communication hubs, and even air defense installations.
India possesses a multi-layered air defense system comprising both indigenous and imported technologies. This includes the Russian-made S-400, Barak-8 missiles (jointly developed with Israel), and the indigenously developed Akash missiles. The S-400, with a detection range of up to 600 kilometers and engagement range of 400 km, can track and engage multiple targets simultaneously. Shorter range systems like the Akash and Spyder provide additional layers of defense. The interception of the Fatah-II missile over Sirsa highlights the effectiveness of India's air defense capabilities. While the specific system used for the interception has not been officially confirmed, reports suggest the Barak-8 missile system may have been involved.
The incident follows a series of escalating events, including airstrikes launched by Pakistan Air Force warplanes targeting various locations in India. These attacks reportedly targeted Udhampur, Pathankot Airport, and a BrahMos missile storage facility in Beas City, Punjab. India has also accused Pakistan of launching drone attacks across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Borders. In response to these developments, the Indian Armed Forces have been placed on high alert and have postponed a press conference.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have been on the rise following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. India has accused Pakistan of cross-border linkages to the attack, a claim Pakistan denies. In the aftermath of the attack, India has taken several measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and revoking visas issued to Pakistani nationals. Pakistan has also conducted multiple missile tests recently, including the Fatah series. These tests have been framed as part of "Exercise Indus" and aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops.
The interception of the Fatah-II missile and the ongoing military exchanges underscore the volatile situation between India and Pakistan. While both sides have expressed a commitment to de-escalation, the current climate remains tense. India's ability to intercept the missile demonstrates its defensive capabilities, but the incident also highlights the potential for miscalculation and escalation in the region.
