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{{short description|Medium-range ballistic missile}}
{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
| name = Hatf-VI Shaheen-II
|is_missile=yes
| image =
|name=Shaheen-II / Hatf-VI
| image_size = 300
|image=
| alt =
|caption= Display during Pakistan Day celebrations, 2016, in Islamabad
| caption =
|origin= {{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Pakistan]]
|type=[[Medium-range ballistic missile]]
| type = [[Medium-range ballistic missile|MRBM]]
| origin = {{PAK}}
|used_by=[[Strategic Plans Division]]<br>{{small|[[Army Strategic Forces Command (Pakistan)|(Army SFCOM]], [[Air Force Strategic Command (Pakistan)|Air Force SFCOM)]]}}
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged = yes
|designer=[[National Engineering and Scientific Commission|NESCOM]]<br>[[National Defence Complex|National Defence Complex (NDC)]]
| is_bladed = no
|manufacturer=[[National Defence Complex|National Defence Complex (NDC)]]
| is_explosive = yes
|unit_cost=
| is_artillery = yes
|production_date=
| is_vehicle = yes
|service=November 2014<ref>https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/hatf-6/#en-659-1</ref>
| is_missile = yes
|engine=Two-stage [[solid-fuel rocket]] motor
| is_UK = no
|weight=25,000 kg<br>(Re-entry vehicle 1,050 kg)
<!-- Service history -->| service = [[2014 in Pakistan|2014]]–Present
|length=17.5 m
| used_by = {{army|PAK}}
|diameter=1.4 m
*{{small|[[Army Strategic Forces Command (Pakistan)|Army Strategic Forces Command]]}}
|wingspan=
| wars = <!-- Production history -->
|speed=
| designer = [[National Engineering & Scientific Commission]]
|vehicle_range=2,500 km<ref>http://www.nasic.af.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=F2VLcKSmCTE%3d&portalid=19</ref><ref>https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/hatf-6/#en-659-1</ref>
| design_date = 2000–2013
|ceiling=
| manufacturer = National Engineering & Scientific Commission
|altitude=300km
| unit_cost =
|filling=Conventional high-explosive or [[Strategic nuclear weapon]]
| production_date =
|guidance=Inertial navigation system<br/> GPS satellite guidance{{Citation needed|date=June 2012}}
| number =
|detonation=
| spec_label = Technical data
|launch_platform=[[Transporter erector launcher|Transporter erector launcher (TEL)]]
| mass = {{cvt|23600|kg|lb}}
| length = {{cvt|17.2|m|in}}
| part_length =
| width =
| height =
| diameter = {{cvt|1.4|m|in}}
| crew =
| passengers = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge =
| cartridge_weight =
| caliber =
| barrels =
| action =
| rate =
| velocity =
| range =
| max_range = {{cvt|2000|km|mi}}
| feed =
| sights = <!-- Artillery specifications -->
| breech =
| recoil =
| carriage =
| elevation =
| traverse = <!-- Bladed weapon specifications -->
| blade_type =
| hilt_type =
| sheath_type =
| head_type =
| haft_type = <!-- Explosive specifications -->
| filling = [[High explosive|HE]]/[[Nuclear explosive|NE]]
| filling_weight = {{cvt|1230|kg|lb}}
| detonation =
| yield = >{{convert|40|ktonTNT|lk=in}}
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->| armour =
| primary_armament =
| secondary_armament =
| engine = [[Two-stage-to-orbit|Two-stage]]
| engine_power =
| pw_ratio =
| payload_capacity =
| transmission = [[Automatic transmission|Automatic]]
| suspension = [[MAZ-547A]] [[Twelve wheel drive|12WD]]<br>{{small|(With Pakistani military markings)}}
| clearance =
| fuel_capacity =
| vehicle_range =
| speed =
| guidance = [[Inertial navigation system|Inertial]], [[Terminal guidance|Terminal]]
| steering = <!-- Missiles only -->
| wingspan =
| propellant = [[Solid-propellant rocket|Solid-propellant]]
| ceiling =
| altitude =
| boost =
| depth =
| accuracy = <{{cvt|350|m|ft}} [[Circular error probable|CEP]]
| launch_platform = [[Transporter erector launcher]] (TEL), [[launch pad]]
| ref =
}}
}}


The '''Shaheen-II''' ([[Urdu language|Urdu]]:شاهين–اا; codename: '''Hatf–VI Shaheen''') is a [[Pakistan|Pakistani]] [[Surface to surface missile|land-based]] [[Supersonic speed|supersonic]] [[Surface to surface missile|surface-to-surface]] [[Medium-range ballistic missile|medium-range]] [[Guided missile|guided]] [[ballistic missile]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Giant-leap-Agni-V-Indias-1st-ICBM-fired-successfully-from-canister/articleshow/46074237.cms |title=Giant leap: Agni-V, India's 1st ICBM, fired successfully from canister}}</ref> The ''Shaheen-II'' is designed and developed by the [[NESCOM]] and the [[National Defence Complex|National Defence Complex (NDC)]] of Pakistan.<ref>[http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/nukes/NASIC2009.pdf Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat – Federation of American Scientists.]</ref><ref>{{cite book
The '''Shaheen-II''' ([[Urdu]]:شاهين–اا; Military designation: '''Hatf-VI''', [[Transliteration|''Trans'']]: ''Target-6''), is a [[Surface-to-surface missile|land-based]] [[Medium-range ballistic missile|medium-range]] [[ballistic missile]] currently in deployed in military service with the [[Army Strategic Forces Command (Pakistan)|strategic command]] of the [[Pakistan Army]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Giant-leap-Agni-V-Indias-1st-ICBM-fired-successfully-from-canister/articleshow/46074237.cms |title=Giant leap: Agni-V, India's 1st ICBM, fired successfully from canister|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=February 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Dawn newspaper, sw, 2019"/>

Designed and developed by the [[National Engineering & Scientific Commission]], ''Shaheen-II'' is a capable of [[nuclear weapons delivery|nuclear weapons-delivery]] at vast range, and it is described as "highly capable missile which fully meets Pakistan's strategic needs towards maintenance of desired deterrence stability in the region" by the Pakistani military.<ref name="Dawn newspaper, sw, 2019">{{cite news |author=Staff writers |title=Shaheen-II ballistic missile training launch successful: ISPR |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1484062 |access-date=2 October 2023 |work=DAWN.COM |agency=Dawn newspaper |date=23 May 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="FAS, Pakistan">[http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/nukes/NASIC2009.pdf Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat – Federation of American Scientists.]</ref><ref>{{cite book
|last = Greisler
|last = Greisler
|first = David
|first = David
Line 33: Line 93:
|publisher = CRC Press, 2006
|publisher = CRC Press, 2006
|isbn = 978-1-57444-564-0|date = 2006-11-15
|isbn = 978-1-57444-564-0|date = 2006-11-15
}}</ref>
}}</ref> The Shaheen missile series is named after a falcon that lives in the mountains of Pakistan. It is suspected to be a derivative of Chinese M-18 missile,<ref>https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/hatf-6/#en-659-1</ref> a two-stage missile based on the [[DF-15|M-9]].<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/?id=bkKVW1plSOUC&pg=PA149&lpg=PA149&dq=shaheen+m-18+missile#v=onepage&q=shaheen%20m-18%20missile&f=false |title = Inside Nuclear South Asia|isbn = 9780804762380|last1 = Sagan|first1 = Scott Douglas|date = 2009-08-17}}</ref>


[[US Air Force]] [[National Air and Space Intelligence Center]] estimates that as of June 2017 fewer than 50 launchers were operationally deployed.<ref name=nasic-20170601>{{cite report |page=25 |url=http://www.nasic.af.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=F2VLcKSmCTE%3d&portalid=19 |title=Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat |id=NASIC-1031-0985-17 |publisher=Defense Intelligence Ballistic Missile Analysis Committee |date=June 2017 |accessdate=16 July 2017}}</ref>
The [[National Air and Space Intelligence Center]] of the [[United States Air Force]] estimates that "as of 2017 fewer than 50 ''Shaheen-II'' were operationally deployed.<ref name=nasic-20170601>{{cite report |page=25 |url=http://www.nasic.af.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=F2VLcKSmCTE%3d&portalid=19 |title=Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat |id=NASIC-1031-0985-17 |publisher=Defense Intelligence Ballistic Missile Analysis Committee |date=June 2017 |accessdate=16 July 2017}}</ref>


==Description==
==Description==
The '''Shaheen-II''' is a longer ranged variant of the [[Shaheen-I]] missile. It was the most advanced ballistic missile in service until shaheen III with the [[Pakistan Armed Forces]].{{citation needed|date=June 2012}} It uses a two-stage [[solid-fuel rocket]] motor designed to carry conventional or nuclear payloads. It is transported and launched by a 6-axle [[transporter erector launcher|transporter erector launcher (TEL)]]. According to U.S. based analysts, a satellite image of a Pakistani missile production facility taken on 5 June 2005 shows fifteen 6-axle TELs being fitted out for the Shaheen 2 missile.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/2007/05/10/top7.htm |title=Archive &#124; Your Source of News on the World Wide Web |publisher=Dawn.Com |date= |accessdate=2011-03-27}}</ref>


Development and design of the ''Shaheen-II'' influenced from Pakistan's need for attaining [[Surface to surface missile|surface-based]] [[Second strike|second strike capability]] in a case of [[Pakistani military]] facing the [[Indian Army]] in an event of [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|large-scale]] conventional war.<ref name="Routledge, Bukhari, 2020">{{cite book |last1=Bukhari |first1=Syed Shahid Hussain |title=Pakistan's Security and the India–US Strategic Partnership: Nuclear Politics and Security Competition |date=15 September 2020 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-000-17662-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uvj2DwAAQBAJ&dq=shaheen+II+missile&pg=PT298 |access-date=9 October 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Since 2000, the [[United States]] had prior knowledge of such program and was able to confirm it in 2005, when six-axled-ten-wheel [[Minsk Automobile Plant|MAZ vehicle]] was shown in the military barracks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/2007/05/10/top7.htm |title=Archive &#124; Your Source of News on the World Wide Web |publisher=Dawn.Com |date= 10 May 2007|accessdate=2011-03-27}}</ref>
It is a two-stage rocket with diameter of 1.4 m, length of 17.5 m, weight of 25 tons and a range of 2,000&nbsp;km. Shaheen-II was successfully test fired for the first time on 9 March 2004 and again on 13 November 2014.

To Indian defense observes, ''Shaheen-II'' is seen as "backbone of Pakistan's survivability with ground-based second strike capability."<ref name="Routledge, Bukhari, 2020"/>

===Re-entry design===


The re-entry vehicle carried by the ''Shaheen-II'' missile has a mass of between {{cvt|700|kg|lbs}}—{{cvt|1250|kg|lbs}}, which includes the mass of a nuclear warhead and a terminal guidance system.<ref name=mth6>{{cite web|title=Haft 6 "Shaheen 2"|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/hatf-6/|publisher=CSIS Missile Threat|accessdate=26 June 2017}}</ref>
===Re-entry vehicle===
The re-entry vehicle carried by the Shaheen-II missile has a mass of 700–1250&nbsp;kg, which includes the mass of a nuclear warhead and a terminal guidance system.<ref name=mth6>{{cite web|title=Haft 6 "Shaheen 2"|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/hatf-6/|publisher=CSIS Missile Threat|accessdate=26 June 2017}}</ref>


This re-entry vehicle is unlike that of the Shaheen I in that it has four moving delta control fins at the rear and small solid/liquid-propellant side thrust motors, which are used to orient the re-entry vehicle after the booster stage is depleted or before re-entry to improve accuracy by providing stabilization during the terminal phase. This can also be used to fly evasive manoeuvres, making it problematic for existing [[anti-ballistic missile|anti-ballistic missile (ABM)]] systems to successfully intercept the missile. The Shaheen II warhead may change its trajectory several times during re-entry and during the terminal phase, effectively preventing ABM radar systems from pre-calculating intercept points. The re-entry vehicle is also stated to utilise a [[GPS]] satellite guidance system to provide updates on its position, further improving its accuracy and reducing the [[Circular error probable|CEP]].<ref>[http://www.fas.org/news/pakistan/1999/fbis-nes-1999-0422.htm How 'Shaheen' Was Developed<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/hatf-6/ |title=Hatf 6 "Shaheen 2" |publisher=MissileThreat |date= |accessdate=26 June 2017}}</ref>{{doubtful|date=February 2018}}
Much of its engineering data, that is acceptable for public release, is provided by the Pakistani military and compiled by the American independent think tanks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fas.org/news/pakistan/1999/fbis-nes-1999-0422.htm|title=How 'Shaheen' Was Developed<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref><ref name="Hatf 6 Shaheen 2">{{cite web|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/hatf-6/ |title=Hatf 6 "Shaheen 2" |publisher=MissileThreat |date= |accessdate=26 June 2017}}</ref>{{dubious|date=February 2018}} This re-entry vehicle is unlike that of the Shaheen I in that it has four moving delta control fins at the rear and small solid-liquid-propellant side thrust motors, which are used to orient the re-entry vehicle after the booster stage is depleted or before re-entry to improve accuracy by providing stabilization during the terminal phase.<ref name="strategycenter">{{Cite web|url=https://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.47/pub_detail.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121229094132/http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.47/pub_detail.asp|url-status=dead|title=International Assessment and Strategy Center > Research > Pakistan's Long Range Ballistic Missiles: A View From IDEAS|archive-date=December 29, 2012|website=www.strategycenter.net}}</ref> This can also be used to fly evasive manoeuvres, making it problematic for existing [[anti-ballistic missile]] countermeasures to successfully intercept the missile.<ref name="strategycenter"/> The ''Shaheen II'' warhead may change its trajectory several times during re-entry and during the terminal phase, effectively preventing radar systems from pre-calculating intercept points.<ref name="strategycenter"/>


===Ground-based deterrence===
Foreign sources claim the missile to have an accuracy of 350 m [[Circular error probable|CEP]] based on speculation that the design is the same or similar to one of several Chinese systems such as the [[DF-11]] or [[DF-25]].<ref name=jane15>Duncan Lennox; ''Hatf 6 (Shaheen 2), Jane’s Strategic Weapon Systems''; June 15, 2004.</ref><ref name=mth6/> However, according to a press video shown by NDC at the IDEAS 2004 defence exhibition in Pakistan, the missile can achieve "surgical precision". This has led to speculation that Shaheen II incorporates a satellite navigation update system and/or a post separation attitude correction system to provide terminal course correction, which "may indicate a CEP of much less than 300 m." According to Harsh Pant, reader of international relations at the Defence Studies Department of [[King's College London]], "the current capability of Pakistani missiles is built around radar seekers." <ref>[http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.47/pub_detail.asp Strategy Center Details] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121229094132/http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.47/pub_detail.asp |date=2012-12-29 }}</ref><ref>http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110321/DEFFEAT06/103210303/Pakistan-Seeks-Counter-Indian-ABM-Defenses</ref>
{{Main|N-deterrence}}
[[File:Temp 2S SS16 Sinner sketch.svg|thumb|250px|right|{{small|The ''Shaheen-II'' mobility is transported through a [[Drive wheel|12WD]] [[Minsk Automobile Plant|MAZ truck]].{{rp|241}}<ref name="Stanford University Press, Khan, 2012"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Ghaznavi / Shaheen-II - Pakistan Missile Special Weapons Delivery Systems |url=https://nuke.fas.org/guide/pakistan/missile/shaheen-2.htm |website=nuke.fas.org |access-date=10 October 2023}}</ref>}}]]
Due to Pakistan's engineering feat, the American sources leveled serious allegations on [[China]], and often compares missile to either of Chinese [[DF-11]] or [[DF-25]].<ref name=jane15>Duncan Lennox; ''Hatf 6 (Shaheen 2), Jane’s Strategic Weapon Systems''; June 15, 2004.</ref><ref name=mth6/> Pakistani government has always refuted the claims of Chinese assistance, stressing that the ''Shaheen-II'' was independently designed in [[2000 in Pakistan|2000]]; and its series of expensive [[trial and error]]s culminated in final deployment in 2014 to keep the secrecy of the program through ingenious development.{{rp|241}}<ref name="Stanford University Press, Khan, 2012">{{cite book |last1=Khan |first1=Feroz |title=Eating Grass: The Making of the Pakistani Bomb |date=7 November 2012 |publisher=Stanford University Press |isbn=978-0-8047-8480-1 |pages=500 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yGgrNAsKZjEC&dq=shaheen+II+eating+grass&pg=PA241 |access-date=9 October 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Further evidence provided through a press video shown by its designing contractor, [[NESCOM]], at the [[International Defence Exhibition and Seminar|IDEAS]] conference in [[2004 in Pakistan|2004]], the missile can achieve "surgical precision".<ref name="strategycenter"/> Between 2004–2010, Pakistani contractors committed to series of testing of the ''Shaheen-II'' that included its [[Rocket engine|engine]], propellent, on-board computers, programming, and vehicle testing.{{rp|241–242}}<ref name="Stanford University Press, Khan, 2012"/>


The re-entry vehicle is also stated to utilize a [[GPS]] satellite guidance system to provide updates on its position, further improving its accuracy and reducing the [[Circular error probable|CEP]] to {{cvt|200|m|ft}}—{{cvt|300|m|ft}}.{{rp|241}}<ref name="Stanford University Press, Khan, 2012"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fas.org/news/pakistan/1999/fbis-nes-1999-0422.htm|title=How 'Shaheen' Was Developed<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref><ref name="Hatf 6 Shaheen 2"/>{{dubious|date=February 2018}} This has led to speculation that ''Shaheen-II'' incorporates a satellite navigation update system and/or a post separation attitude correction system to provide terminal course correction, which "may indicate a CEP of much less than {{cvt|300|m|ft}}."<ref name="strategycenter"/> According to [[King's College London]], "the current capability of Pakistani missiles is built around radar seekers."<ref name="strategycenter"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110321/DEFFEAT06/103210303/Pakistan-Seeks-Counter-Indian-ABM-Defenses|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130408013207/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110321/DEFFEAT06/103210303/Pakistan-Seeks-Counter-Indian-ABM-Defenses|url-status=dead|title=Pakistan Seeks To Counter Indian ABM Defenses|website=Defense News|archive-date=April 8, 2013}}</ref>
===Future developments===
Since deployment of the 2750&nbsp;km range Shaheen-III, a [[Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle|multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicle (MIRV)]] system was assumed to be in development.{{Citation needed|date=August 2017}}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 61: Line 125:


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|3}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070822052931/http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.47/pub_detail.asp Pakistan’s Long Range Ballistic Missiles: A View From IDEAS]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070822052931/http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.47/pub_detail.asp Pakistan’s Long Range Ballistic Missiles: A View From IDEAS]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080213025440/https://www.sipri.org/contents/expcon/Pakistan.pdf Pakistani nuclear forces, 2006]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080213025440/https://www.sipri.org/contents/expcon/Pakistan.pdf Pakistani nuclear forces, 2006]
* http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/pakistan/shaheen-2.htm
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/pakistan/shaheen-2.htm Ghaznavi / Shaheen-II - Pakistan Missile Special Weapons Delivery Systems]
* [http://www.tungekar.com/shaheen.html How 'Shaheen' Was Developed]
* [http://www.tungekar.com/shaheen.html How 'Shaheen' Was Developed]


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{{Pakistan Missiles|state=collapsed}}
{{Pakistan Missiles|state=collapsed}}


[[Category:Ballistic missiles of Pakistan]]
[[Category:2014 in spaceflight]]
[[Category:Weapons of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2010s]]
[[Category:Space launch vehicles of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Medium-range ballistic missiles]]
[[Category:Intermediate-range ballistic missiles of Pakistan]]
[[Category:2004 in spaceflight]]
[[Category:Surface-to-surface missiles of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Medium-range ballistic missiles of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Medium-range ballistic missiles of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Guided missiles of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Nuclear missiles of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Surface-to-surface missiles]]
[[Category:Theatre ballistic missiles]]
[[Category:Ballistic missiles]]

Latest revision as of 16:53, 23 April 2024

Hatf-VI Shaheen-II
TypeMRBM
Place of origin Pakistan
Service history
In service2014–Present
Used by Pakistan Army
Production history
DesignerNational Engineering & Scientific Commission
Designed2000–2013
ManufacturerNational Engineering & Scientific Commission
Specifications (Technical data)
Mass23,600 kg (52,000 lb)
Length17.2 m (680 in)
Diameter1.4 m (55 in)
Maximum firing range2,000 km (1,200 mi)
WarheadHE/NE
Warhead weight1,230 kg (2,710 lb)
Blast yield>40 kilotons of TNT (170 TJ)
EngineTwo-stage
TransmissionAutomatic
SuspensionMAZ-547A 12WD
(With Pakistani military markings)
PropellantSolid-propellant
Guidance
system
Inertial, Terminal
Accuracy<350 m (1,150 ft) CEP
Launch
platform
Transporter erector launcher (TEL), launch pad

The Shaheen-II (Urdu:شاهين–اا; Military designation: Hatf-VI, Trans: Target-6), is a land-based medium-range ballistic missile currently in deployed in military service with the strategic command of the Pakistan Army.[1][2]

Designed and developed by the National Engineering & Scientific Commission, Shaheen-II is a capable of nuclear weapons-delivery at vast range, and it is described as "highly capable missile which fully meets Pakistan's strategic needs towards maintenance of desired deterrence stability in the region" by the Pakistani military.[2][3][4]

The National Air and Space Intelligence Center of the United States Air Force estimates that "as of 2017 fewer than 50 Shaheen-II were operationally deployed.[5]

Description

[edit]

Development and design of the Shaheen-II influenced from Pakistan's need for attaining surface-based second strike capability in a case of Pakistani military facing the Indian Army in an event of large-scale conventional war.[6] Since 2000, the United States had prior knowledge of such program and was able to confirm it in 2005, when six-axled-ten-wheel MAZ vehicle was shown in the military barracks.[7]

To Indian defense observes, Shaheen-II is seen as "backbone of Pakistan's survivability with ground-based second strike capability."[6]

Re-entry design

[edit]

The re-entry vehicle carried by the Shaheen-II missile has a mass of between 700 kg (1,500 lb)—1,250 kg (2,760 lb), which includes the mass of a nuclear warhead and a terminal guidance system.[8]

Much of its engineering data, that is acceptable for public release, is provided by the Pakistani military and compiled by the American independent think tanks.[9][10][dubious – discuss] This re-entry vehicle is unlike that of the Shaheen I in that it has four moving delta control fins at the rear and small solid-liquid-propellant side thrust motors, which are used to orient the re-entry vehicle after the booster stage is depleted or before re-entry to improve accuracy by providing stabilization during the terminal phase.[11] This can also be used to fly evasive manoeuvres, making it problematic for existing anti-ballistic missile countermeasures to successfully intercept the missile.[11] The Shaheen II warhead may change its trajectory several times during re-entry and during the terminal phase, effectively preventing radar systems from pre-calculating intercept points.[11]

Ground-based deterrence

[edit]
Main article: N-deterrence
The Shaheen-II mobility is transported through a 12WD MAZ truck.: 241 [12][13]

Due to Pakistan's engineering feat, the American sources leveled serious allegations on China, and often compares missile to either of Chinese DF-11 or DF-25.[14][8] Pakistani government has always refuted the claims of Chinese assistance, stressing that the Shaheen-II was independently designed in 2000; and its series of expensive trial and errors culminated in final deployment in 2014 to keep the secrecy of the program through ingenious development.: 241 [12] Further evidence provided through a press video shown by its designing contractor, NESCOM, at the IDEAS conference in 2004, the missile can achieve "surgical precision".[11] Between 2004–2010, Pakistani contractors committed to series of testing of the Shaheen-II that included its engine, propellent, on-board computers, programming, and vehicle testing.: 241–242 [12]

The re-entry vehicle is also stated to utilize a GPS satellite guidance system to provide updates on its position, further improving its accuracy and reducing the CEP to 200 m (660 ft)—300 m (980 ft).: 241 [12][15][10][dubious – discuss] This has led to speculation that Shaheen-II incorporates a satellite navigation update system and/or a post separation attitude correction system to provide terminal course correction, which "may indicate a CEP of much less than 300 m (980 ft)."[11] According to King's College London, "the current capability of Pakistani missiles is built around radar seekers."[11][16]

See also

[edit]
Related developments
Related lists

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Giant leap: Agni-V, India's 1st ICBM, fired successfully from canister". The Times of India. February 2015.
  2. ^ a b Staff writers (23 May 2019). "Shaheen-II ballistic missile training launch successful: ISPR". DAWN.COM. Dawn newspaper. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  3. ^ Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat – Federation of American Scientists.
  4. ^ Greisler, David (2006-11-15). Handbook of technology management in public administration. CRC Press, 2006. ISBN 978-1-57444-564-0.
  5. ^ Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat (Report). Defense Intelligence Ballistic Missile Analysis Committee. June 2017. p. 25. NASIC-1031-0985-17. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  6. ^ a b Bukhari, Syed Shahid Hussain (15 September 2020). Pakistan's Security and the India–US Strategic Partnership: Nuclear Politics and Security Competition. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-000-17662-9. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  7. ^ "Archive | Your Source of News on the World Wide Web". Dawn.Com. 10 May 2007. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
  8. ^ a b "Haft 6 "Shaheen 2"". CSIS Missile Threat. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
  9. ^ "How 'Shaheen' Was Developed".
  10. ^ a b "Hatf 6 "Shaheen 2"". MissileThreat. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
  11. ^ a b c d e f "International Assessment and Strategy Center > Research > Pakistan's Long Range Ballistic Missiles: A View From IDEAS". www.strategycenter.net. Archived from the original on December 29, 2012.
  12. ^ a b c d 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 9 October 2023.
  13. ^ "Ghaznavi / Shaheen-II - Pakistan Missile Special Weapons Delivery Systems". nuke.fas.org. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  14. ^ Duncan Lennox; Hatf 6 (Shaheen 2), Jane’s Strategic Weapon Systems; June 15, 2004.
  15. ^ "How 'Shaheen' Was Developed".
  16. ^ "Pakistan Seeks To Counter Indian ABM Defenses". Defense News. Archived from the original on April 8, 2013.
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