Pakistan conducts test launch of Ghauri ballistic missile

Asia-Pacific, News October 27, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

Pakistan military conducted a successful test launch of its medium-range Ghauri ballistic missile which is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. The test was conducted on October 24, 2023, as part of the operational and technical readiness of the military.

According to the Pakistan military’s media branch, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the launch was arranged to test the Ghauri missile’s survivability on a battlefield. The ISPR statement said that “the launch was witnessed by the Commander Army Strategic Force Command (ASFC), senior officers from the strategic forces, scientists and engineers of the strategic organization.”

“Commander ASFC appreciated the standard of training and operational preparedness of Army Strategic Forces, which was reflected by proficient handling of Weapon System in the field and achievement of operational and technical objectives,” it added. “He also appreciated the scientists and engineers for their contributions toward enhancement of Pakistan’s strategic capability.”

Ghauri ballistic missile

The Ghauri guided ballistic missile, which has been in the possession of the Pakistani military since 1998, serves as a pivotal strategic asset in the nation’s efforts to counter potential threats, particularly from its historical adversary, India.

The medium-range, road-mobile, ballistic missile system has been indigenously developed by Pakistan, and it can be equipped with both conventional and nuclear warheads. The missile has a range of more than 1,500 kilometers which allows Pakistan to target areas far beyond its borders.

Pakistan Shaheen-III and Ghauri missiles — ^{Pakistani-made Shaheen-III and Ghauri missiles, which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads, are displayed during a military parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2022. (Image Credit: Anjum Naveed/AP)}

Pakistan has recently ramped up its missile production and testing capabilities. Earlier on October 18, the Pakistan military also conducted a test-fire launch for its newly developed Ababeel missile, which is capable of carrying multiple warheads. Ababeel is a surface-to-surface medium-range missile with a range of 2,200 kilometers.

Chinese companies sanctioned for providing missile parts to Pakistan

Most of Pakistan’s missile technology is indigenously produced, with China providing the crucial parts needed to manufacture the missiles. Recently, the United States imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies that had been providing missile parts to Pakistan.

A U.S. State Department statement identified three firms General Technology Limited, Beijing Luo Luo Technology Development, and Changzhou Utek Composite Company Limited. The statement said that General Technology had worked to supply brazing materials used to join components in ballistic missile rocket engines and in the production of combustion chambers.

Beijing’s Luo Luo Technology supplied mandrels and other machinery to Pakistan, which can be used in the production of solid-propellant rocket motors. The third firm, Changzhou Utek Composite, had worked since 2019 to supply D-glass fiber, quartz fabric, and high silica cloth, all of which have applications in missile systems, the State Department said in a statement.

“Today’s actions demonstrate that the United States will continue to act against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery, and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur,” the statement added.