Pakistan flexes missile muscle as war drums beat across border
Questions persist over IAF’s preparedness for war
NEW ANALYSIS
May 4, 2025
PAKISTAN’S military has confirmed the successful test-firing of a short-range ballistic missile, the Abdali Weapon System, amid rising tensions with India following last month’s deadly attack in Occupied Kashmir.
The surface-to-surface missile was launched on Saturday as part of an exercise to assess operational preparedness. With a range of 450 kilometres (280 miles), the Abdali is capable of striking deep into Indian territory, including key cities such as Amritsar, Pathankot, Jammu, and Chandigarh from northern Pakistan.
In an official statement, the government described the test as a measure to “ensure the operational readiness of troops and validate key technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability”.
Named after Ahmad Shah Abdali, the 18th-century founder of modern Afghanistan who led several invasions of the Indian subcontinent, the missile can be equipped with both conventional and nuclear warheads.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the scientists, engineers, and military personnel involved in the test, issuing formal messages of congratulations.
Speaking to AFP, defence analyst Hasan Askari Rizvi described the missile launch as a strategic signal. “It clearly indicates that we have the means to counter India. This is not merely a message to India but to the wider international community — we are prepared,” he said.
On Thursday, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir warned that any “misadventure” by India would prompt a “swift, resolute, and escalated” response. A day later, senior military officials and corps commanders reiterated the threat of a “sure and decisive” retaliation in the event of hostilities.
As the situation intensifies, diplomatic efforts have been initiated, with the United States and the European Union engaging with leaders in both Islamabad and New Delhi to de-escalate tensions.
The timing of the missile launch is particularly noteworthy. It came just three days after Information Minister Attaullah Tarar alleged that Islamabad had “credible intelligence” indicating India was planning a military strike within 24 to 36 hours.
Meanwhile, Indian media, including The Times of India, aired dramatic footage of Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets — including Rafale, Sukhoi, and Mirage aircraft — conducting combat drills on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. The exercises, featuring night-time take-offs and landings, marked the first use of the expressway for continuous emergency operations.
In a related development, questions have been raised over India’s defence readiness. This website can cited a press report highlighting a significant shortfall in IAF strength. Coincidentally published on the day of the Pahalgam attack, the Indian article warned that the force is operating with “at least 10 squadrons fewer” than required and faces further decline without urgent government action.
Titled “IAF is Sleepwalking into a Crisis: When Will the Govt Wake Up?”, the report reflects growing concern within Indian defence circles about the nation’s capacity for sustained military engagement.