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Pakistan has bolstered its precision-strike capability with the unveiling of its Fatah-IV land-attack cruise missile, part of an enhanced conventional arsenal as tensions with India threaten renewed conflict.
The Pakistani army revealed the Fatah-IV and Timur drone for the first time during a public display this week, according to reports from ARY News. Newsweek has reached out to the Pakistani government for comment.
Why It Matters
This new weaponry, whose development was revealed last year, comes shortly after a senior Pakistani military official issued a renewed threat toward India during a visit to the United States. It follows Pakistan’s military confrontation with India in May over the Pahalgam terror attack and as Islamabad seeks closer ties with Washington.
The Fatah-IV, alongside nuclear-capable missiles, strengthens Pakistan’s conventional arsenal and enhances its ability to project power and deter adversaries amid recurring conflicts with India.
The Fatah-IV, with a range of over 400 miles (700 kilometers), was revealed ahead of Independence Day celebrations in Islamabad on August 14. It is part of the strategic deterrence against India and complements the nuclear-capable Babur missile.
According to the Stimson Center, Pakistan deployed conventionally armed short-range ballistic missiles during the May conflict in Kashmir using Fatah-I and Fatah-II systems.
What Specialists Say
Defense Security Asia reported: “Pakistan’s investment in the Fatah-series reflects a shift towards high-end battlefield effects, enabling precision fires at extended ranges without escalating to ballistic missile warfare. These weapons are not just deterrents but tools of active combat, redefining the conventional balance between Islamabad and New Delhi.”
Army Recognition Group reported: “Compared to India’s Nirbhay with an announced range of around 1,000 km but development delays, the Fatah-4 stands out for entering service quickly and being integrated into army units.”
What Happens Next
Pakistan’s unveiling of new weapons systems serves as a military signal to India. India is likely to disclose its own matching capabilities in response.
