Pakistan successfully tests first indigenously developed Fa’az air-to-air missile
File photo: A Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder in flight. The Fa'az missile was test-launched from this type of aircraft; this is not a photo of the test itself.
Pakistan has successfully flight-tested Fa’az, its first indigenously developed air-to-air missile, the military’s media wing announced on Tuesday. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) described the test as another significant milestone in the advancement of the country’s aerospace and defence capabilities.
Longer reach, advanced guidance
According to the ISPR statement, the missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art terminal guidance system, allowing it to engage enemy aerial targets at longer ranges than before. The military said the weapon reflects the technical expertise, innovation and self-reliance of Pakistan’s defence industry — a point it has stressed with each of its recent missile tests.
Footage shows a JF-17 launch
The military also released footage of the test, which shows the missile leaving a JF-17 fighter jet. What the ISPR did not share is just as notable: no range, speed, dimensions or seeker details were disclosed, and there is no word yet on when Fa’az will formally enter operational service with the Pakistan Air Force.
Third major test in a month
The Fa’az flight test is the third major missile test announced by Pakistan in about a month. On October 6, the military tested an extended-range version of the Fatah-4 ground-launched cruise missile, followed on October 13 by the extended-range Fatah-2 hypersonic ballistic missile. Defence watchers say a home-grown air-to-air missile fills a long-standing gap: until now, Pakistan’s air-to-air arsenal has relied heavily on imported systems, and an indigenous weapon of this class marks a step change in self-reliance for the air force.
