Ra'ad-II

Not to be confused with Iranian self-propelled howitzer Raad-2.

The Ra'ad-II (Urdu: رعد-۲ 'Thunder-2') is a standoff and an air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) derived from the Hatf-VIII Ra'ad.^[1][2][3][4] It was first publicly unveiled on the Pakistan Day Parade on 23 March 2017,^[7]

Ra'ad-II
Type	ALCM[1][2][3][4]
Place of origin	Pakistan
Service history
In service	2020–Present
Used by	Pakistan Air Force Air Force Strategic Command
Production history
Designer	National Engineering & Scientific Commission (Guidance/controls) Air Weapons Complex (Warhead design/assembly)
Designed	2007–2019
Manufacturer	Air Weapons Complex
Specifications (Technical data)
Mass	≤1,100 kg (2,400 lb)
Length	4.85 m (15.9 ft)
Diameter	0.50 m (20 in)
Maximum firing range	650 km (400 mi)
Warhead	ICM/HE/NE
Warhead weight	450 kg (990 lb)
Blast yield	5 kilotons of TNT (21 TJ)—12 kilotons of TNT (50 TJ)[5]
Engine	Turbojet
Payload capacity	≤450 kg (990 lb)
Operational range	600 km (370 mi)
Flight altitude	Terrain-following
Maximum speed	≤0.8 Mach. (980 km/h (610 mph))
Guidance system	Inertial, Terminal
Accuracy	3.0 m (9.8 ft) CEP[6]
Launch platform	JF-17A/B, Mirage-IIIR, Mirage-VR
Transport	Combat aircraft

The Ra'ad features extended range, changes in its control mechanism, its guidance and enhanced flight control systems.^[7]

Testing and unveiling

On 18 February 2020, Ra'ad-II was test-fired from the Pakistan Air Force's Mirage-IIIR platform.^[1][2][4] The test was overseen by Ra'ad-II program manager, the Strategic Plans Division, developing contractor, NESCOM, and the Pakistan Air Force and Army's Strategic Commands.^[1][8][9]

According to the ISPR, it significantly enhanced Pakistan's air delivered strategic standoff capability on land and at sea.^[1][2][4]

Technical design

Data provided by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the Ra'ad-II has an extended range of 600 km (370 mi) and has a conventional tail fin configuration compared to the twin tail configuration of the previous version.^[1][2][4]

It has a new "X" type tail as opposed to previous versions large horizontal tails.^[4] It has a length of 4.85 m (15.9 ft), and is much lighter than the previous weapon system.^[10] Design and control surfaces changes to Ra'ad-II allows to integrate with the JF-17 Thunder platform— the PAF's primary strike platform.^[10]

Aerial-based deterrence

Both Hatf-VIII Ra'ad and Ra'ad-II are seen as providing Pakistan the aerial nuclear deterrence against the much larger Indian Air Force and their air defenses in an event of large scale conventional war.^{: 388–396 [11]}

In a view of one former PAF's former fighter pilot, Ra'ad "treetop-hugging [ALCM] with its minuscule radar cross-section should be a good antidote to the Indian acquired of S-400 Triumf."^[12] While the Islamabad-based Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) analyst maintained that the Ra’ad-II is "Pakistan's response to Indian development of the Nirbhay cruise missile."^[12]

Similar missiles

• AGM-158 JASSM – (United States)
• CJ-10 – (China)
• KEPD 350 – (Sweden, Germany)
• Kh-65SE – (Soviet Union)
• SOM – (Turkey)
• Saber – (United Arab Emirates)
• Storm Shadow – (France, United Kingdom)