Pakistan conducts successful training launch of surface-to-surface Shaheen-II ballistic missile

This screengrab, taken from a handout video released by Pakistan’s Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) on August 20, 2024, shows Pakistani military conducting a test launch of surface-to-surface Shaheen-II ballistic missile, according to the military’s media wing. (Photo courtesy: ISPR)

• Training launch aimed at training troops, validating various technical parameters, says military’s media wing
• Pakistan sees its missile development as a deterrent against its nuclear-armed South Asian neighbor India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army on Tuesday conducted a successful training launch of its surface-to-surface ballistic missile Shaheen-II, the military’s media wing said, explaining that the exercise was aimed at training troops and evaluating the performance of sub-systems incorporated to ensure improved accuracy of its missiles.
Pakistan sees its missile development as a deterrent against nuclear-armed neighbor India, with which it has fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947. Both nations have been developing missiles of varying ranges since they conducted nuclear tests in May 1998. In December 2023, the Pakistan Army successfully conducted the flight test of the Fatah-II missile, which has a range of 400 kilometers. 
As Pakistan and India continue to test missiles and build their weapons armor, analysts warn Asia may be sliding into an accelerating arms race. 
“Pakistan today conducted successful training launch of surface-to-surface ballistic missile Shaheen-II,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. “The training launch was aimed at training of troops, validating various technical parameters and performance evaluation of different sub-systems incorporated for improved accuracy and enhanced survivability.”
The military’s media wing said the launch was witnessed by senior officers from the Strategic Plans Division, Army Strategic Forces Command, scientists and engineers of strategic organizations.
It said that the director general of the Strategic Plans Division appreciated the technical prowess, dedication and commitment of scientists who contributed toward the “landmark achievement.”
“The President, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Services Chiefs congratulated the scientists and engineers on this achievement,” the ISPR concluded.