The Abdali (Hatf-II) is a short-range, solid-propellant ballistic missile developed by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). Named after the 18th-century Afghan emperor Ahmad Shah Abdali, this missile is designed for a quick battlefield response. The Abdali has an operational range of up to 450 km, making it suitable for targeting enemy military bases, airfields, and critical infrastructure near the border. It is a road-mobile system, launched from a Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL), which provides it with the mobility and survivability needed to evade detection and pre-emptive strikes. The Abdali is a single-stage, solid-fueled missile, ensuring it can be deployed and launched with minimal preparation time. It is capable of carrying a conventional high-explosive or sub-munitions warhead with a payload capacity of up to 500 kg. Its guidance system is an Inertial Navigation System (INS) which provides a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of around 150 meters, a respectable level of accuracy for its class. The Abdali is primarily a conventional weapon, serving as a tactical asset for the Pakistan Army Strategic Forces Command to strike key targets in a conventional conflict, complementing the country’s strategic nuclear arsenal. Its development further diversified Pakistan’s missile capabilities, providing a reliable and responsive short-range option.
- Type: Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM)
- Propulsion: Single-stage solid-fuel rocket engine
- Range: 180 to 200 km (with some variants up to 450 km)
- Payload: 500 kg, conventional high-explosive or sub-munitions
- Guidance: Inertial Navigation System (INS)
- Launch Platform: Road-mobile Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL)
- Length: 9.75 m
- Weight: 1,750 kg
