What is the Shaheen-II Missile?

About Shaheen-II Missile:

• It is a Pakistani medium-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
• It is believed that the Shaheen 2 is derived from the People’s Republic of China (PRC)-developed M-18, though this has not been confirmed.
• Specifications:
  • It is a solid-fueled, two-stage missile with an estimated range of 1,500–2,000 km.
  • It measures 17.2 m long, 1.4 m in diameter, and weighs 23,600 kg at launch.
  • It is designed to carry conventional or nuclear payloads.
  • Its separating warhead is thought to feature four small motors to improve accuracy; the missile’s accuracy is estimated at 350 m circular error probable (CEP).
  • It is transported and launched by a 6-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL). 

What are Ballistic Missiles?

• A ballistic missile is a rocket-propelled, self-guided strategic weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined target.
• They are powered initially by a rocket or series of rockets in stages, but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target.
• They can carry conventional high explosives as well as chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.
• They can be launched from aircraft, ships, and submarines, in addition to land-based silos and mobile platforms.
• There are four general classifications of ballistic missiles based on their range, or the maximum distance the missile can travel:
  • Short-range: less than 1,000 kilometers (approximately 620 miles), also known as “tactical” ballistic missiles.
  • Medium-range: between 1,000 and 3,000 kilometers (approximately 620-1,860 miles), also known as “theater” ballistic missiles.
  • Intermediate-range: between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometers (approximately 1,860-3,410 miles)
  • Long-range: more than 5,500 kilometers (approximately 3,410 miles), also known as intercontinental or strategic ballistic missiles.
• Short- and medium-range ballistic missiles are referred to as theater ballistic missiles, whereas ICBMs, or long-range ballistic missiles, are described as strategic ballistic missiles.