Development and design
The Ra'ad is a joint project developed by Pakistan Air Force's Air Weapons Complex and NESCOM– the civilian defense contractor. The missile's latest version has a range of 600 km. The missile uses stealth technology, has a range of 350 km and is designed to carry conventional or nuclear warheads. As per media reports, the missile has features including low-altitude, terrain hugging missile with high maneuverability. The missile would probably be tasked for precision attacks on high value targets including command centres, radars, surface-to-air missile launchers, ballistic missile launchers and stationary warships.Operational history
The first test of the missile was conducted on 25 August 2007. A second test was conducted on 8 May 2008, when it was fired from a Dassault Mirage III ROSE fighter of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). A third test was carried out on 29 April 2011 from a Dassault Mirage fighter. The fourth test was carried out on 30 May 2012. A fifth test of the missile was carried out on 2 Feb 2015. A seventh test was carried out on 19 January 2016. Though initial tests have been conducted from a PAF Dassault Mirage III ROSE combat aircraft there is potential to integrate this missile with other platforms such as the JF-17 aircraft.Mark II
A Mark II version of the missile was revealed on Pakistan parade day in 2017, with increased range of 600 km.See also
;Related developments *References
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