Ra'ad-II

In article Ra'ad-II we are going to delve into a topic that concerns us all in one way or another. Regardless of our age, profession or personal interests, this topic is relevant to everyone. Along these lines we will explore different aspects, data and opinions related to Ra'ad-II, with the aim of providing a broad and complete vision of the subject. Whether we are familiar with Ra'ad-II or it is the first time we are hearing about it, this article invites us to reflect, learn and question our own understanding of Ra'ad-II.

Not to be confused with Iranian self-propelled howitzer Raad-2.

Ra'ad-II
TypeALCM[1][2][3][4]
Place of origin Pakistan
Service history
In service2020–Present
Used by Pakistan Air Force
Production history
DesignerNational Engineering & Scientific Commission
(Guidance/controls)
Air Weapons Complex
(Warhead design/assembly)
Designed2007–2019
ManufacturerAir Weapons Complex
Specifications (Technical data)
Mass≤1,100 kg (2,400 lb)
Length4.85 m (15.9 ft)
Diameter0.50 m (20 in)
Maximum firing range650 km (400 mi)
WarheadICM/HE/NE
Warhead weight450 kg (990 lb)
Blast yield5 kilotons of TNT (21 TJ)—12 kilotons of TNT (50 TJ)[5]
EngineTurbojet
Payload capacity≤450 kg (990 lb)
Operational
range
600 km (370 mi)
Flight altitudeTerrain-following
Maximum speed ≤0.8 Mach.
(980 km/h (610 mph))
Guidance
system
Inertial, Terminal
Accuracy3.0 m (9.8 ft) CEP[6]
Launch
platform
F-17A/B, Mirage-IIIR, Mirage-VR
TransportCombat aircraft

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]

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 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

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Pakistan test launches new Ra'ad II ALCM missile variant". AIR FORCE TECHNOLOGY. 20 February 2020. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Pakistan test-launches longer-range variant of Ra'ad II ALCM". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020.
  3. ^ a b Khan, Bilal (23 March 2017). "Pakistan officially unveils extended range Ra'ad 2 air-launched cruise missile". Quwa Defense News & Analysis Group. Archived from the original on 20 April 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Khan, Bilal (18 February 2020). "Pakistan Tests Ra'ad-II Air-Launched Cruise Missile". Quwa Defense News & Analysis Group. Archived from the original on 27 April 2020.
  5. ^ Kristensen, Hans; Korda, Matt. "Pakistan nuclear weapons, 2023". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  6. ^ Eshel, Tamir (30 April 2011). "Pakistan Tests Ra'ad (HATF VIII) Air-Launched Cruise Missile - Defense Update". defense update. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Pakistan Unveils Ra'ad-II ALCM". Indiatimes.com. 3 July 2024. Archived from the original on 4 July 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  8. ^ "US clears possible sale of IADWS to India for $1.867bn". Army Technology. 11 February 2020. Archived from the original on 25 April 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  9. ^ Gady, Franz-Stefan. "Pakistan Test Launches Ra'ad II Nuclear-Capable Air-Launched Cruise Missile". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 22 April 2020.
  10. ^ a b "Ra'ad-II cruise missile can hit Delhi from deep inside Pakistan: Report". The Week. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  11. ^ Khan, Feroz (7 November 2012). Eating Grass: The Making of the Pakistani Bomb. Stanford University Press. p. 500. ISBN 978-0-8047-8480-1. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  12. ^ a b Ansari, Usman (19 February 2020). "Pakistan tests a new cruise missile. Can it hit inside India?". Defense News. Retrieved 11 October 2023.