| Country: |
Pakistan |
| Associated Country: |
Iran, People's Republic of China, North Korea |
| Alternate Name: |
Ghauri 2 |
| Class: |
MRBM |
| Basing: |
Road mobile |
| Length: |
15.9 m |
| Diameter: |
1.35 m |
| Payload: |
Single warhead, 700 kg |
| Warhead: |
Nuclear (unknown yield), chemical, HE, submunition |
| Propulsion: |
Single-stage liquid |
| Range: |
1500-1800 km |
| Status: |
Operational |
| In Service: |
1999? |
Details
The Hatf-5A is a medium-range, road mobile, liquid propellant ballistic missile. It is a longer ranged variant of the
Hatf-5, developed by replacing the heavier steel construction of the Hatf-5 with an aluminum alloy 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 have cooperated extensively in missile development since 1993. The Hatf-5 guidance system is believed to have been obtained from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), possibly passed through North Korea.
Previous Pakistani designs combined with range/accuracy observations indicate that the Hatf-5A probably has an extremely poor accuracy 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 most effective use for the Hatf-5A would be in deployment against civilian areas, most likely with a low yield nuclear warhead. 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 of the Hatf-5A is sufficient 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 km with an unknown accuracy. Given the range compared to previous Pakistani designs, the accuracy is probably poor. The missile is believed to be nearly identical to the Hatf-5 in size and shape, though it is presumably lighter. Therefore, the missile is probably about 15.9m in length with a diameter of 1.35 m. The payload has been reduced from 1,200 kg to 700 kg for use at its maximum range. The reduced payload is probably indicative of advances in nuclear warhead design that allow for a lighter warhead with a similar yield. The Hatf-5 carries 750 kg warhead of 15 to 35 kT yield nuclear or a chemical, HE or submunition warhead. The Hatf-5A is probably capable of carrying similar warheads of reduced weight. 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 has continued through 2008. Given test dates and numbers, the Hatf-5A is probably operational and in use by the Pakistani Army’s 47th Artillery Brigade.(1)
Footnotes
1.
Jane’s Strategic Weapons Systems, Issue 50, ed. Duncan Lennox, (Surrey: Jane’s Information Group, January 2009), 113-15.
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
