Hatf-VIII (Ra'ad)

The Ra'ad (Urdu: رعد‎, "Thunder") is an air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) under development by Pakistan. The missile was first tested in August 2007.[2][3]

This article is about the Pakistani air-launched cruise missile. For Iran's anti-tank missile, see RAAD (anti-tank guided missile). For Iran's anti-ship missile, see Ra'ad (anti-ship missile). For Iran's air defense system, see Raad (air defense system).

Ra'ad (Hatf VIII)
TypeAir-launched cruise missile (ALCM)
Place of origin Pakistan
Service history
Used byPakistan Air Force
Production history
ManufacturerAir Weapons Complex (AWC)
Unit costUnknown
VariantsRa'ad
Ra'ad-II
Specifications
Mass1,100 kg
Length4.85 m
Diameter0.5 m
Warhead500 kg HE, Nuclear, Conventional[1]
EngineTurbojet
Operational
range
350 km (previous version)
600 km (latest version)
Maximum speed Subsonic
Launch
platform
Combat aircraft
External media
Images
Ra'ad test flight
Zoomed in view from TV image
Ra'ad on Display
Ra'ad during Pakistan Day Prade
Video
Youtube video of Ra'ad test launch

Development and design

Ra'ad is developed by Pakistan's Air Weapons Complex and NESCOM. The missile's latest version has a range of 600 km.[4] The missile uses stealth technology, has a range of 350 km and is designed to carry conventional or nuclear warheads.[4][1] As per media reports, the missile has features including low-altitude, terrain hugging missile with high maneuverability.[1] 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.[5]

Operational history
A ROSE Mirage IIIDP with Ra'ad system

The first test of the missile was conducted on 25 August 2007.[4] 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).[6][7] A third test was carried out on 29 April 2011 from a Dassault Mirage fighter.[8][9][10] The fourth test was carried out on 30 May 2012. A fifth test of the missile was carried out on 2 Feb 2015.[11] A seventh test was carried out on 19 January 2016.[12]

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.[1]

Mark II
Main article: Ra'ad-II

A Mark II version of the missile was revealed on Pakistan parade day in 2017, with increased range of 600 km.[13]

See also
Related developments
Similar missiles
Related lists

References
  1. "Hatf 8 "Ra'ad"". csis.org. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  2. Article by Usman Ansari; "Despite Missile Integration, Nuke Role Unlikely for Pakistan’s JF-17." Published online by DefenseNews.com on 7 February 2013.
  3. "Hatf 8 "Ra'ad" | Missile Threat". Missile Threat. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  4. "Pakistan tests new cruise missile". english.aljazeera.net.
  5. Khan, Iftikhar A. (9 May 2008). "Cruise missile fired from aerial platform".
  6. "Geo.tv: Latest News Breaking Pakistan, World, Live Videos". www.geo.tv. Archived from the original on 25 May 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  7. "The News International: Latest News Breaking, Pakistan News". thenews.com.pk. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012.
  8. "Pakistan tests Hatf-8 cruise missile". The Asian Age. Archived from the original on 4 May 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  9. "Pakistan tests nuclear-capable Hatf-8 cruise missile". The Indian Express. 29 April 2011. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  10. "Pakistan tests nuclear capable cruise missile". News.xinhuanet.com. 29 April 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  11. Desk, Web (2 February 2015). "Pakistan test-fires new cruise missile Ra'ad – The Express Tribune". Tribune.com.pk. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  12. Haider, Dawn.com | Mateen (19 January 2016). "Pakistan successfully tests Ra'ad cruise missile: ISPR". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  13. "Pakistan officially unveils extended range Ra'ad 2 air-launched cruise missile". quwa.org. 23 March 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
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