| Country: |
Pakistan |
| Associated Country: |
Iran, People's Republic of China, North Korea |
| Alternate Name: |
Ghauri 2 |
| Class: |
MRBM |
| Basing: |
Road mobile |
| Length: |
18.00 m |
| Diameter: |
1.35 m |
| Launch Weight: |
17800 kg |
| Payload: |
Single warhead, 700 kg |
| Warhead: |
750 kg; Nuclear 15 to 35 kT, chemical, HE |
| Propulsion: |
Single-stage liquid |
| Range: |
1800 km |
| Status: |
Unknown |
Details
The Hatf-5A is an medium-range, road mobile, liquid propellant ballistic missile. It is a longer ranged variant of the Hatf-5, developed by increasing the length of the motor assembly and using improved propellants. It is believed that the Hatf-5 is based upon technology derived from the North Korean No-dong 1 and 2, though this is denied by North Korea. It also appears that the Hatf-5 and Hatf-5A were developed in conjunction with Iran, as the Iranian Shahab 3 and 4 designs appear extremely similar both in appearance and capabilities. It is reported that all three countries cooperated extensively in missile development since 1993. The guidance system is believed to have been obtained from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), possibly passed through North Korea. This follows typical scenario where the PRC disseminates technology to North Korea, which in turn sells this technology to Pakistan and Iran.
The Hatf-5A is designed as a strategic weapon. Previous Pakistani designs combined with increased range indicate that the Hatf-5A probably has an extremely poor range of several kilometers CEP. This limits the military usage of this missile to striking large airports and military bases, though it could be used against a city. The only truly effective use for the Hatf-5A would be for deployment against civilian areas, most likely with a low yield nuclear weapon. However, should the accuracy be improved from a guidance system obtained from the PRC, the Hatf-5A would likely have the capability to strike strategic targets in India such as air and sea ports, factories and shipyards. The range on the Hatf-5A is sufficient for it to strike targets deep within India.
Like most Pakistani missile systems, the Hatf-5A is designed to be launched from modified Russian ‘Scud-B’ Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) vehicles. A modified tank is also known to have been used for a TEL vehicle. These vehicles hide the Hatf-5A from attack and allow for rapid transport and deployment.
The Hatf-5A missile has a maximum range of 1,800 with an unknown accuracy. Given the range compared to previous Pakistani designs, the accuracy should be fairly poor. It is 18.0 m in length, has a diameter of 1.35 m and a launch weight of 17,800 kg. The payload has been reduced from 1,200 kg to 700 kg for use at its maximum range. This is used to carry a 750 kg load of a 15 to 35 kT yield nuclear, chemical, HE or submunition warhead. The missile uses a single-stage liquid propellant engine.
The Hatf-5 started development at the Khan Research Laboratories in 1993, with the first flight test occurring in 1998. The first flight test of the Hatf-5A took place in 1999. It is believed that the Hatf-5 entered service in 1998, though flight testing for both missiles continued into 2004. The status of the Hatf-5A is unknown.(1)
Footnotes
- Duncan Lennox, Jane’s Strategic Weapons Systems 46 (Surrey: Jane’s Information Group, January 2007), 109-110.
Pakistan Tests Hatf-5
February 4, 2008 :: News
Pakistan launched a Hatf-5 ballistic missile on February 1, only a week after it tested a medium-range Hatf-4. The Hatf-5 is an intermediate range ballistic missile can with a range up to 1,300 km. Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf praised the team behind the launch, and also reiterated his country's control of its nuclear assets, saying, "We have taken note of various imaginary scenarios being propounded by those who do not wish Pakistan well. Such elements have never reconciled to a nuclear Pakistan." (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Pakistan, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: Hatf 5, Hatf 5A
Pakistan Test Launches Medium-Range Hatf-5
November 16, 2006 :: Reuters :: News
Pakistan today test launched its nuclear-capable Hatf-5 (Ghauri-1) medium-range ballistic missile, reports Reuters. According to military sources, the missile was launched from an undisclosed location to mark the end of a series of military exercises. The Hatf 5 has a range of 1,300 km (800 miles) and is easily capable of striking deep into India. It was first tested in 1998, the same year that Pakistan and India conducted their first nuclear tests, and last reported to have been tested in 2004. While previous tests were overseen by scientists, this time the Army Strategic Forces Command conducted the tests, military officials said. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: India, Pakistan, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: Hatf 5A
Pakistan Tests Hatf-5 on Anniversary of Musharraf Coup
October 12, 2004 :: AP :: News
Pakistan has again conducted a test of its medium range, nuclear capable Hatf-5 (Ghauri) ballistic missile, its fourth missile test this year. The tested missile had a reported range of 1,500 km, but other reports have assigned a range of 1,800 km or more. The military stated that the test was completely successful. The test coincides with the fifth anniversary of General Musharraf’s 1999 seizure of power, a bloodless coup after which he later declared himself president.
The military release about the test conspicuously named the Hatf-5 as being “indigenously” produced, but Pakistan is of course believed to have had extensive help from both China and North Korea in its missile programs. A former Prime minister of Pakistan has admitted North Korean assistance. The missile is believed to be based on the North Korean No Dong.
An ISPR [Inter-Services Public Relations] press release reportedly states that “The successful flight test bears testimony to the fact that the Ghauri Weapon System is based on the highest standards of scientific and technological advancements.”
The Hatf-5 was tested twice earlier this year, on May 29 and June 4. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Pakistan, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: Hatf 5A, Hatf 5
