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Nasr (missile)

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This article is about Pakistan's battlefield missile. For Iran's short range cruise missile, see Nasr-1.

Hatf-IX Nasr
TypeTactical ballistic missile
Place of originPakistan
Service history
In serviceIn service since 2011
Used byPakistan Army
Production history
ManufacturerNational Development Complex
Specifications
Mass1,200 kg
Length6.0 m
Diameter0.4 m
Warhead400 kg conventional high explosive, cluster munition[1] or plutonium or uranium nuclear warhead tactical nuclear weapon[2]
Blast yield0.5-5 kilotons[2]
EngineSingle-stage solid propellant
PropellantSolid fuel
Operational
range
70 km (43.5 mi)[3]
Accuracy10 m
Launch
platform
Transporter erector launcher (TEL)
External media
Images
image icon Nasr Missile and Launch Vehicle
image icon Closeup of Nasr Missile
Video
video icon Video of Nasr Missile Test
video icon A video clip of the Nasr multi-tube ballistic missile

The Nasr (Military designation: Hatf-IX Nasr, Transl.: Target-9, Urdu: نصر), is a solid fueled tactical ballistic missile system developed by the National Development Complex (NDC) of Pakistan, currently in service with the Pakistan Army.[4]

The ISPR described the system as a "Multi-tube Ballistic Missile" because the launch vehicle carries multiple missiles. Its existence was revealed after a test in 2011 and it appears to have entered in military deployment after further testing in 2013.[5]

Background

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According to defence analysts and missile technology experts the system appears to have been developed as a "low-yield battlefield deterrent" targeted at "mechanized forces like armed brigades and divisions."[6] Therefore, it is believed by analysts that the system is deployed to deter and respond to India's "Cold Start" doctrine.[7][8][9] The military ISPR maintains that the Hatf IX was developed to "add deterrence value... at shorter ranges... with high accuracy, shoot and scoot attributes" for "quick response."[6][10]

Pakistan confirmed that these tactical nuclear weapons are intended to be used against Indian troops on Pakistani soil. According to analysts, if used just inside Pakistani territory, it would counter the cold start doctrine and maximize ionizing radiation exposure while minimizing blast effects which would be more dangerous for the Indian army than for local people as the blast yield is much lower than strategic nuclear weapons.[5][11]

Design

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The Hatf IX Nasr is a ballistic missile which carries a sub-kiloton tactical nuclear weapon out to a range of 60 km (37.3 mi).[6][10] Four missiles are carried on the same Chinese-origin 8x8 transporter erector launcher (TEL) as the Pakistan Army's A-100E 300mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), a Chinese version of the BM-30 Smerch.[5]

Capabilities

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The missile can carry nuclear warheads of appropriate yield with high accuracy. Pakistan has claimed that it was designed to overcome missile defense systems. It is also claimed that this missile is accurate. In one of the released test fire footage; the Nasr missile can be seen hitting a target with pinpoint accuracy.[12] However actual figures of the CEP have not been disclosed.[13][4] Mansoor Ahmed, of Quaid-e-Azam University’s Department of Defence and Strategic Studies claimed: "Its in-flight maneuverability is being improved to defeat potential Indian missile defenses against artillery rockets and short-range ballistic missiles, such as the Israeli Iron Dome system." He further went on to say that the system is "fully integrated into the centralized command-and-control structure through round the clock situational awareness in a digitized network centric environment to the decision makers at National Command Center. Nasr is obviously India-specific and the salvo launch capability is a key ability in stopping Indian armored thrusts into Pakistani territory."[14]

History

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The missile's existence was first reported after a test-firing on 19-April-2011.[6][7] A 4-missile salvo fired on 5 October 2013 is believed to have marked the conclusion of the testing programme and the system's likely entry into service.[2] An extended range missile was tested recently.[15]

See also

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Similar missiles

References

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  1. ^ "Nasr (Hatf 9)".
  2. ^ a b c Usman Ansari (6 November 2013). "Experts: Missile Test Firing Shows Development Complete". Archived from the original on 8 November 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2013.
  3. ^ "Nasr range extended by 10km". Archived from the original on 24 January 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Pakistan's Missiles: Nasr Short Range Ballistic Missile". Global Defense Insight. 11 February 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  5. ^ a b c "Nasr (Hatf 9)". Missile Threat. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  6. ^ a b c d Shakil Shaikh (20 April 2011). "Pakistan test-fires Hatf-IX". The News International. Retrieved 20 April 2011.
  7. ^ a b "Hatf IX test-fired". Archived from the original on 9 November 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2011.
  8. ^ Joshua, Anita (19 April 2011). "Pakistan tests short-range ballistic missile". The Hindu. Chennai, India.
  9. ^ "Making Sense of 'Nasr' | Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses".
  10. ^ a b ":: ISPR :: Inter Services Public Relations - PAKISTAN". www.ispr.gov.pk. Archived from the original on 2 June 2011.
  11. ^ Kristensen, Hans M.; Norris, Robert S.; Diamond, Julia (3 September 2018). "Pakistani nuclear forces, 2018". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. 74 (5): 348–358. Bibcode:2018BuAtS..74e.348K. doi:10.1080/00963402.2018.1507796. ISSN 0096-3402. S2CID 150843099.
  12. ^ "نصر میزائل کا ایک اور کامیاب تجربہ". jang.com.pk.
  13. ^ "Nasr (Haft-9) Short-Range Ballistic Missile". www.military-today.com.
  14. ^ "Experts: Missile Test Firing Shows Development Complete". Defense News. Archived from the original on 8 November 2013.
  15. ^ Panda, Ankit. "Nasr range extended by 10km".
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Related lists
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