Pakistan has successfully conducted a training launch of its newly inducted Fatah-4 ground-launched cruise missile, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities amidst rising regional security tensions.
The testing event showcased the Fatah-4’s impressive range of 750 kilometers (approximately 466 miles), positioning it as a sophisticated indigenous weapon system. Officials highlighted the missile’s advanced avionics and navigation aids, which enhance its precision and allow it to fly close to the terrain, thereby effectively evading potential enemy air defenses. This capability is seen as critical in improving the survivability of Pakistan’s conventional missile forces.
The Fatah-4 is a notable addition to the Army Rocket Force Command, a newly established entity that underscores Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening its conventional deterrence strategy. The command was officially formed in August 2025 and is tasked with overseeing the development and deployment of the Fatah missile series along with other rocket artillery systems aimed at extending range and precision strike capabilities.
The advancements represented by the Fatah-4 build on its predecessors, the Fatah-1 and Fatah-2, which were integrated into Pakistan’s arsenal in recent years. This ongoing missile modernization reflects the strategic landscape in South Asia, particularly in response to India’s military enhancements, including the introduction of advanced cruise and ballistic missile systems, as well as comprehensive air and missile defense frameworks.
In a broader context, the past two years have seen Pakistan unveil a series of new military technologies as part of its indigenous production initiatives. These efforts also encompass naval capabilities; in late 2024, the Pakistani navy conducted a test of a ship-launched ballistic missile with a range of 350 kilometers (217 miles), emphasizing a commitment to bolster maritime strike capabilities.
Moreover, there are indications of continued development in longer-range missile systems, such as the Babur series, which has undergone tests in both land-attack and sea-launched configurations. Collectively, these advancements illustrate Pakistan’s intent to maintain a credible deterrent posture in a complex security environment.
