Ra'ad-II
Pakistani air-launched cruise missile
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The Ra'ad-II (Urdu: رعد-۲ 'Thunder-2') is a standoff and an air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) derived from the Hatf-VIII Ra'ad.[1][2][3][4] It was first publicly unveiled on the Pakistan Day Parade on 23 March 2017,[7]
| Ra'ad-II | |
|---|---|
| Type | ALCM[1][2][3][4] |
| Place of origin |  Pakistan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2020–Present |
| Used by |  Pakistan Air Force |
| Production history | |
| Designer | National Engineering & Scientific Commission (Guidance/controls) Air Weapons Complex (Warhead design/assembly) |
| Designed | 2007–2019 |
| Manufacturer | Air Weapons Complex |
| Developed into | Taimoor |
| Specifications (Technical data) | |
| Mass | ≤1,100 kg (2,400 lb) |
| Length | 4.85 m (15.9 ft) |
| Diameter | 0.50 m (20 in) |
| Maximum firing range | 650 km (400 mi) |
| Warhead | ICM/HE/NE |
| Warhead weight | 450 kg (990 lb) |
| Blast yield | 5 kilotons of TNT (21 TJ)—12 kilotons of TNT (50 TJ)[5] |
| Engine | Turbojet |
| Payload capacity | ≤450 kg (990 lb) |
Operational range | 600 km (370 mi) |
| Flight altitude | Terrain-following |
| Maximum speed | ≤0.8 Mach. (980 km/h (610 mph)) |
Guidance system | Inertial, Terminal |
| Accuracy | 3.0 m (9.8 ft) CEP[6] |
Launch platform | JF-17A/B, Mirage-IIIR, Mirage-VR |
| Transport | Combat aircraft |
The Ra'ad features extended range, changes in its control mechanism, its guidance and enhanced flight control systems.[7]
Testing and unveiling
On 18 February 2020, Ra'ad-II was test-fired from the Pakistan Air Force's Mirage-IIIR platform.[1][2][4] The test was overseen by Ra'ad-II program manager, the Strategic Plans Division, developing contractor, NESCOM, and the Pakistan Air Force and Army's Strategic Commands.[1][8][9]
According to the ISPR, it significantly enhanced Pakistan's air delivered strategic standoff capability on land and at sea.[1][2][4]
Technical design
Data provided by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the Ra'ad-II has an extended range of 600 km (370 mi) and has a conventional tail fin configuration compared to the twin tail configuration of the previous version.[1][2][4]
It has a new "X" type tail as opposed to previous versions large horizontal tails.[4] It has a length of 4.85 m (15.9 ft), and is much lighter than the previous weapon system.[10] Design and control surfaces changes to Ra'ad-II allows to integrate with the JF-17 Thunder platform— the PAF's primary strike platform.[10]
Aerial-based deterrence
Both Hatf-VIII Ra'ad and Ra'ad-II are seen as providing Pakistan the aerial nuclear deterrence against the much larger Indian Air Force and their air defenses in an event of large scale conventional war.: 388–396 [11]
In a view of one former PAF's former fighter pilot, Ra'ad "treetop-hugging [ALCM] with its minuscule radar cross-section should be a good antidote to the Indian acquired of S-400 Triumf."[12] While the Islamabad-based Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) analyst maintained that the Ra’ad-II is "Pakistan's response to Indian development of the Nirbhay cruise missile."[12]
Similar missiles
- AGM-158 JASSM – (United States)
- CJ-10 – (China)
- KEPD 350 – (Sweden, Germany)
- Kh-65SE – (Soviet Union)
- SOM – (Turkey)
- Saber – (United Arab Emirates)
- Storm Shadow – (France, United Kingdom)