Nasr (missile)

This article is about Pakistan's battlefield missile. For Iran's short range cruise missile, see Nasr-1.

Hatf IX Nasr
Type	Tactical ballistic missile
Place of origin	Pakistan
Service history
Used by	Army Strategic Forces Command
Production history
Manufacturer	National Development Complex
Specifications
Warhead	plutonium or uranium nuclear warhead
Blast yield	0.5-5 kilotons
Engine	Single-stage rocket motor
Propellant	Solid fuel
Operational range	60 km (37.3 mi)
Launch platform	Transporter erector launcher (TEL)

External media
Images
Nasr Missile and Launch Vehicle
Closeup of Nasr Missile
Video
Video of Nasr Missile Test
A video clip of the Nasr multi-tube ballistic missile

The Hatf IX ("Vengeance IX") or Nasr (Arabic: نصر), is a solid fueled tactical ballistic missile system developed by National Development Complex (NDC) of Pakistan.

The ISPR described the system as "Multi-tube Ballistic Missile" because the launch vehicle carries multiple missiles. Its existence was revealed after a test in 2011 and it appears to have entered service after further testing in 2013.

Background

According to defence analysts and missile technology experts the system appears to have been developed as a "low-yield battlefield deterrent" targeted at "mechanized forces like armed brigades and divisions". Therefore it is believed by analysts that the system is deployed to deter and respond to India's "Cold Start" doctrine. The military ISPR maintains that the Hatf IX was developed to "add deterrence value... at shorter ranges... with high accuracy, shoot and scoot attributes" for "quick response."

Pakistan confirmed that these tactical nuclear weapons are intended to be used against Indian troops on Pakistani soil. According to analysts, if used just inside Pakistani territory, it would counter cold start doctrine and maximize ionizing radiation exposure while minimizing blast effects which would be dangerous for Indian army than for local people as the blast yield is much lower than Strategic nuclear weapon.

Design

The Hatf IX Nasr is a ballistic missile which carries a sub-kiloton nuclear warhead out to a range of 60 km (37.3 mi). It is believed to be derived from the WS-2 Weishi Rockets system developed by China's Sichuan Aerospace Corporation. Four missiles are carried on the same Chinese-origin 8x8 transporter erector launcher (TEL) as the Pakistan Army's A-100E 300mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), a Chinese version of the BM-30 Smerch.

Capabilities

The missile can carry nuclear warheads of appropriate yield, with high accuracy. Pakistan has claimed that it was designed to overcome missile defense systems. It is also claimed that this missile is accurate. However actual figures of the CEP have not been disclosed. Mansoor Ahmed, of Quaid-e-Azam University’s Department of Defence and Strategic Studies claimed: "Its in-flight maneuverability is being improved to defeat potential Indian missile defenses against artillery rockets and short-range ballistic missiles, such as the Israeli Iron Dome system.” He further went on to say that the system is “fully integrated into the centralized command-and-control structure through round the clock situational awareness in a digitized network centric environment to the decision makers at National Command Center. Nasr is obviously India-specific and the salvo launch capability is a key ability in stopping Indian armored thrusts into Pakistani territory."

History

The missile's existence was first reported after a test-firing on 19 April 2011. A 4-missile salvo fired on the 5th October 2013 is believed to have marked the conclusion of the testing programme and the system's likely entry into service.

See also

Similar missiles

• Prahaar (missile)
• MGR-1 Honest John

External Links

• CSIS Missile Threat - Hatf 9

Related lists

• List of missiles of Pakistan