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Islamabad claims the upgraded missile can target Indian assets, but technical flaws, internal risks, and foreign dependence reveal it as a psychological ploy, not a credible threat
Pakistan conducted a training launch of the Abdali Weapon System (Credits: News 18)
Pakistan’s recent Abdali-II missile tests aim to offset India’s conventional military advantages, but the move appears more about optics than operational edge. The tactical missile—now upgraded with a 450-km range from its original 180 km—is, according to Pakistan, capable of targeting Indian military installations, airfields, and logistics hubs near the border.
This comes just days after India downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam. The Pakistan Army, in an official statement, said the missile launch was part of “Exercise INDUS.”
“The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability features,” the army said in a statement.
However, the test is not just about military capability—it is nuclear signalling aimed at sparking diplomatic dialogue and launching a psychological operations (psyops) campaign to divert attention from Pakistan’s deepening internal crises. With widening internal security gaps and the alarming presence of jihadi elements in control of arms and ammunition, such deployments raise serious risks of unauthorised launches.
Technically, the Abdali-II remains flawed. Its estimated Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 100–150 metres makes it unsuitable for precision strikes against hardened targets. Despite the increased range, accuracy remains a major concern, especially in the absence of advanced guidance systems like terminal homing—capabilities Pakistan does not currently possess. The missile’s extended range likely came at the cost of payload capacity or increased reliance on foreign-supplied components, potentially compromising its overall reliability.
Pakistan’s tactical missile upgrades continue to be rooted in foreign expertise—from Chinese M-11 and DF-11 inputs for the Ghaznavi, to North Korean Nodong-1 tech for the Ghauri. The Abdali-II’s development may face similar dependency risks, exposing Pakistan to potential sanctions and supply-chain vulnerabilities.
India, meanwhile, is well-positioned to counter such threats. With robust missile defence systems like the Russian-made S-400 and indigenous interception platforms, shorter-range systems like the Abdali could be neutralised effectively. Moreover, Pakistan’s practice of deploying these systems close to the border for rapid response makes them more vulnerable to pre-emptive strikes or sabotage.
Pakistan has intensified its activities by issuing frequent naval advisories, conducting aggressive drills in the Arabian Sea, and repeatedly violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.
In sum, Pakistan’s Abdali-II test appears to be more about optics than operational edge—underscoring desperation rather than deterrence.
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