Shaheen 1-A: Pakistan Tests Nuclear Ballistic Missiles

30 March 2021 Current Affairs:Pakistan has successfully tested a nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile on March 26, 2021. The missile has a range of 900 kilometers. Highlights: ♦ Pakistan has tested the Shaheen-1A surface-to-surface ballistic missile with the aim of re-verifying the various designs and technical parameters of the weapon system, including the advanced navigation system. ♦ According to the Army Media Department, the missile has a range of 900 kilometers. ♦ The missile consists of a complex and advanced guidance system, which makes it a highly accurate missile system. ♦ Senior officials of the Strategic Planning Department, scientists and engineers of strategic organizations and strategic forces witnessed the launch of the missile. About Shaheen-I: ♦ It is Pakistan's land-based supersonic and short-to- medium range surface-to-surface guided ballistic missile. ♦ It was designed and developed by a joint venture between National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM) and the National Defense Complex (NDC). ♦ The missile is named specifically for a type of Falcon inhabitants on the mountains of Pakistan. ♦ It is also called Hatf IV. It has an optimal range of 750 kilometers and is propelled by a two-stage solid fuel rocket engine. ♦ It can provide conventional and nuclear payloads, and its speed is much faster than liquid fuel missiles like Ghauri. The missile is considered very accurate.