- Nasr (missile)
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Hatf IX Nasr Hatf IX Nasr being test-launched. Another view of the Nasr missile system. A close view of the Nasr's launch vehicle.
Type Battlefield Range Ballistic Missile Place of origin 
PakistanService history In service 19 April 2011 Used by PakistanProduction history Manufacturer National Development Complex Specifications Warhead Sub-kiloton tactical nuclear warhead (<1 kt) Engine Single-stage rocket motor Propellant Solid fuel Operational
range60 km Launch
platformTransporter erector launcher (TEL) 
External videos
A video clip of the Hatf IX Nasr multi-tube ballistic missile.
The Hatf IX, named Nasr (Arabic: نصر) , is a solid fuelled battlefield range ballistic missile (BRBM) system developed by Pakistan. The missile's existence was first reported after a test-firing on 19 April 2011.[1][2] It is referred to by Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations organization as a "Multi Tube Ballistic Missile" because the launch vehicle carries multiple missiles.The name "Nasr" is an Arabic word meaning "Victory".
Contents
Design and development
Developed by Pakistan's National Development Complex (NDC), the Hatf IX Nasr has a range of 60 km [1] [3] and is carried by the same Chinese-origin 8x8 high mobility transporter erector launcher (TEL) as the Pakistan Army's AR-1A / A-100E 300mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). The TEL platform appears to carry two missiles which are erected before launch and it is believed that the missile range could be extended.[4]
The diameter of the Nasr suggests that it is designed to carry a tactical nuclear warhead weighing less than 1 kg. This would be a boosted fission device using less than 1 kg of weapons grade plutonium, boosted with up to 4-5 grams of tritium. The resulting yield would be in the sub-kiloton range and would be suitable for battlefield use. A sophisticated nuclear trigger mechanism would also be required.[4]
The Hatf IX Nasr seems to prove that Pakistan is capable of building small nuclear warheads for all types of delivery platforms to deter any conventional threats against its sovereignty.[4]
Operational history
According to the public relations organization of the Pakistani military, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Hatf IX was developed to "add deterrence value... at shorter ranges... with high accuracy, shoot and scoot attributes" for "quick response." [3] [1] According to defence analysts and missile technology experts the system appears to have been developed as a "low-yield battlefield deterrent" targeted at "mechanized forces like armed brigades and divisions." [1] Therefore it is believed by analysts that the system is deployed to deter and respond to India's "Cold Start Doctrine". [2] [5] [6]
References
- ^ a b c d Shakil Shaikh (2011-04-20). "Pakistan test-fires Hatf-IX". The News International - Copyright @ 2010-2012. http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=5415&Cat=13&dt=4/20/2011. Retrieved 2011-04-20.
- ^ a b http://nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/20-Apr-2011/Hatf-IX-testfired
- ^ a b http://www.ispr.gov.pk/front/main.asp?o=t-press_release&id=1721
- ^ a b c USMAN ANSARI (2011-04-20). "Pakistan Tests 'Nuke-Capable' Short-Range Missile". DefenseNews. http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6282326&c=MID&s=TOP. Retrieved 2011-04-20.
- ^ http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article1709352.ece
- ^ http://idsa.in/idsacomments/MakingSenseofNasr_aahmed_240411
See also
- Similar missiles
- 9K720 Iskander
- MGR-1 Honest John
- Related lists
Missiles of Pakistan Surface-to-Surface BaburAnti-Tank MissilesMk-46 · ET-52C · F17P Mod 2 · Tp 43X2 · A244-S · SUT Mod 2 · ECAN L5 Mod 3 · DM2A4 · ASROC · VL-ASROCAir-to-Surface Anti-Tank MissilesH-2 · H-4Surface-to-Air Air-to-Air Beyond Visual Range AAMs- = Under Development
** = Includes all ship-to-ship, ship-to-sub, sub-to-ship and sub-to-sub torpedoes
Categories:- Military equipment of Pakistan
- Ballistic missiles of Pakistan
- Battlefield-range ballistic missiles
- Surface-to-surface missiles
- Nuclear artillery
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