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Shaheen Ballistic Missile

Shaheen Ballistic Missile

Manufacturer: National Development Complex (NDC)
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System Inertial Navigation System (reported upgraded guidance)
Maximum Speed High supersonic / hypersonic reentry phase
Launch Compatibility Road-mobile TEL launcher
Warhead Technology Conventional or nuclear capable

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	Shaheen Missile Series
Type / Role	Medium to Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile
Country of Origin	Pakistan
Manufacturer	National Development Complex (NDC)
Service Entry / Year Introduced	1990s onward by variant
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	750 km to 2,750 km
Speed	Supersonic to hypersonic reentry
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Exo-atmospheric ballistic trajectory
Accuracy (CEP)	Not officially disclosed
Warhead Type	Conventional or Nuclear-capable

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	INS, possible terminal updates
Targeting Mode	Pre-programmed ballistic strike
Launch Platform Compatibility	Ground mobile launcher
Seeker Type	None publicly confirmed

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	Varies by variant, approx. 13 to 18 m
Diameter	Varies
Wingspan	Not applicable
Launch Weight	Several tons
Propulsion	Solid-fuel rocket

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	Estimated classified
Explosive Type	HE or nuclear payload
Detonation Mechanism	Impact / programmed
Payload Options	Conventional / Nuclear

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Medium to Long
Deployment Platform	Ground
Target Types	Strategic infrastructure, military facilities
Combat Proven	No
Users / Operators	Pakistan

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 7 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Solid-fuel design allows rapid launch readiness
Road-mobile launchers improve survivability
Multiple variants cover different ranges
Nuclear and conventional payload flexibility
Indigenous production supports self-reliance

CONS

Exact performance data remains classified
No known combat use history
Limited public guidance accuracy details
Strategic systems are costly to sustain
Vulnerable to surveillance during movement

Pakistan Shaheen Ballistic Missile

The Pakistan Shaheen missile is a family of land-based ballistic missiles developed to strengthen Pakistan’s strategic deterrence and long-range strike capability. Designed primarily for conventional and nuclear delivery roles, the Shaheen series includes multiple variants such as Shaheen-I, Shaheen-II, and Shaheen-III. These systems are considered a core part of Pakistan’s strategic forces and are intended to provide survivable second-strike and regional deterrence capability.

Unlike older liquid-fueled missile systems, the Shaheen family uses solid-fuel propulsion, allowing faster launch preparation, easier storage, and improved mobility. The missile series is road-mobile and launched from transporter erector launchers (TELs), improving deployment flexibility and survivability.

Manufacturer

The Shaheen missile family was developed by Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC) with support from other domestic strategic research organizations. Production and integration are handled inside Pakistan’s strategic defense sector. The program reflects Islamabad’s long-term effort to maintain indigenous missile manufacturing capability and reduce foreign dependency.

Speed and Range

The Shaheen missile family offers varying ranges depending on variant:

Shaheen-I: Approx. 750 km
Shaheen-II: Approx. 1,500 to 2,000 km
Shaheen-III: Approx. 2,750 km

The missiles travel at high supersonic to hypersonic reentry speeds during terminal flight, making interception difficult. Their range enables coverage of strategic targets across South Asia and beyond regional maritime zones.

Cost/Price

Exact costs remain classified. However, analysts estimate each Shaheen missile unit may cost several million U.S. dollars depending on variant, launcher package, warhead integration, and support systems. Full battery deployment costs are significantly higher due to command, logistics, mobility vehicles, and security infrastructure.

Reviews

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