Pahalgam terror attack: Pakistan claimed to have successfully conducted a training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile. The missile, with a reported range of 450 kilometers, was tested as part of Exercise INDUS. The Pakistani military said the test was aimed at ensuring operational readiness and validating technical capabilities such as the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability.
What is Abdali ballistic missile?
The Abdali (Hatf-II), developed by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), is a road-mobile, solid-propellant missile system designed for battlefield use. It is capable of carrying a high-explosive payload or submunitions, with a reported Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 150 meters—indicating high targeting accuracy. The missile is launched from a Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL), allowing for quick mobility and deployment.
Key features of the Abdali Missile
Range: 180–200 km (despite claims of 450 km range)
Payload: High-explosive or submunitions
Guidance: Inertial navigation system
Engine: Single-stage, solid-fuel propulsion
Launch Platform: Road-mobile TEL
Targeting Capabilities: Suitable for hitting military bases, airfields, industrial and power infrastructure
Destructive Power: Relatively limited warhead size, optimized for tactical use
India-Pakistan tension after Pahalgam terror attack
The missile test comes in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead. India has accused Pakistan of harboring “cross-border linkages” to the attackers and promised severe retaliation. Following the attack, New Delhi suspended visas for Pakistani nationals, cut staff at the Pakistani High Commission, and shut the Attari land border.
#BREAKING: Pakistan today conducted a training launch of the Abdali Weapon System— a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers as part of Ex INDUS. – Pakistan ISPR Statement. Major provocation against India. https://t.co/c2uVhGiDGp pic.twitter.com/D71D6zWKCS
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 3, 2025
Since then, Pakistan has issued four Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) signaling potential missile tests, with the Abdali launch being the first actual firing. Previous notices between April 23 and May 2 had either been cancelled or went unexecuted, raising suspicions of psychological warfare or strategic signaling.
India calls test a ‘provocative act’
Indian intelligence sources termed the launch a “reckless act of provocation” and a “dangerous escalation” amid an already volatile situation. Analysts believe Pakistan is attempting to pressure India and deflect from international scrutiny through sabre-rattling.
Despite Pakistan’s assertions of readiness, India continues to rank significantly higher in global military strength, placed fourth globally in the Global Firepower Index, compared to Pakistan’s 12th.