The Abdali Missile (Hatf 2) is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by Pakistan Space Research Commission (SUPARCO). Amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, Dhaka is reportedly considering acquiring the Abdali missile system for its defense arsenal. Designed for rapid deployment and battlefield scenarios, the Abdali is a road-mobile, solid-fuel missile with capabilities to strike targets with precision over a limited range.
Features of the Abdali Missile
Range
- The Abdali missile has an operational range of 180-200 km, making it suitable for short-range combat situations.
Payload
- It is capable of carrying a high-explosive warhead or submunitions, tailored for targeting specific military or infrastructure assets.
Guidance System
- The missile uses an inertial guidance system, which provides moderate accuracy for its range.
Circular Error Probable (CEP)
- With a CEP of 150 meters, the missile is precise enough for tactical strikes on defined targets such as military bases and airfields.
Engine
- The Abdali is powered by a single-stage solid-fuel engine, enabling quick response times and ease of operation.
Transport
- It is transported using a Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) vehicle, allowing the missile to be deployed and launched from road-mobile platforms.
Destructive Power
- While its relatively small warhead limits its overall destructive capacity, the missile is effective for targeting:
- Military installations
- Airfields
- Power plants
- Industrial infrastructure
Targeting Capabilities
The Abdali missile’s design prioritizes tactical precision over brute destructive force:
- Accurate enough to target specific military assets
- Suitable for striking critical infrastructure, such as power plants and industrial facilities, within its operational range
Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL)
The Abdali missile system utilizes a TEL vehicle, which is a specialized platform that provides:
- Mobility: Ensures the missile can be moved across diverse terrains
- Rapid Deployment: Allows the missile to be elevated into firing position quickly
- Launch Capability: Integrates all necessary mechanisms for launching multiple missiles
Strategic Implications
Battlefield Application
- The Abdali missile is designed for quick-response scenarios, giving it an edge in rapidly evolving combat environments.
- Its road-mobile design ensures flexibility and adaptability during conflicts.
Regional Concerns
- Reports of Bangladesh exploring the Abdali missile system highlight the shifting dynamics in South Asian security.
- The potential acquisition of Abdali by Bangladesh could have strategic implications for regional stability, particularly in light of the existing tensions with India.
The Abdali Missile (Hatf 2) represents a tactical weapon system suited for short-range precision strikes. With its road-mobile platform, moderate destructive power, and quick deployment capability, the missile is optimized for battlefield scenarios targeting critical infrastructure and military installations. If Bangladesh acquires the Abdali system, it could alter the strategic balance in the region, making it a point of concern for neighboring nations like India.
