Pakistan Equips JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jets with Nuclear-Capable Ra'ad Cruise Missiles.

According to an article published on July 3, 2024, by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), their analysis of photos from the 2023 Pakistan Day Parade rehearsals suggests a major evolution in Pakistan's nuclear strike capabilities. These images indicate that the JF-17 Thunder aircraft could be equipped with the Ra'ad air-launched cruise missile, capable of carrying nuclear warheads. This development represents a transfer of nuclear strike capability from the aging Mirage III/V aircraft to the newer JF-17, thus redefining Pakistan's aerial nuclear arsenal.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Pakistan JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jet with Nuclear-Capable Ra'ad Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) (Picture source: Rana Suhaib and Pakistan MoD)

The FAS's observations were triggered by images taken during the rehearsals of the 2023 Pakistan Day Parade, showing a JF-17 Thunder carrying a Ra'ad under its wing. Detailed analysis confirmed that the length of the missile displayed on the JF-17 matches those mounted on trucks observed in previous parades, solidifying the theory of the JF-17's adaptation for nuclear-capable missions.

The Ra'ad missile, known militarily as Hatf-VIII, is a subsonic air-launched cruise missile developed jointly by the National Engineering & Scientific Commission (NESCOM) and the Air Weapons Complex of the Pakistan Air Force. This missile, which entered service in 2012, is utilized by the Strategic Air Force of Pakistan.

The US Air Force National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) reported in 2017 that the Ra'ad cruise missile was "conventional or nuclear," a term normally used to describe a dual-capable system.

The Ra'ad, meaning "Thunder" in Urdu, is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear payloads with precision strike capability. The missile is powered by a turbofan engine, enabling it to follow terrain at low altitudes to evade detection and engagement by modern air defense systems. Measuring 4.85 meters in length and 0.5 meters in diameter, it can carry a payload of 450 kg over a maximum distance of 550 km depending on its configuration.

In conclusion, subsonic cruise missiles like the Ra'ad combine advanced propulsion technology, sophisticated navigation systems, and stealth flight strategies to perform precision strikes while minimizing detection risks. Powered by turbojet or turbofan engines, these missiles maintain a speed below that of sound and are optimized for long-distance missions. Their ability to follow terrain, adapting to the contours of the landscape, allows them to fly at very low altitudes, thus evading enemy radars. They employ inertial navigation systems, often complemented by GPS, for autonomous navigation and incorporate terminal guidance technologies to precisely identify their target in the final phase of flight. Additionally, their design incorporates stealth features such as radar-absorbing materials and shapes that minimize radar reflections, thereby enhancing their capability to strike strategic targets without interception.

The integration of the Ra'ad II, tested in February 2020 with a declared range of 600 km, is seen as a leap forward for Pakistan's strategic deterrence capability. The advanced navigation and guidance system of the missile ensures maximum precision, crucial for both terrestrial and maritime strategic strikes.

Comparative analysis of the Ra'ad variants revealed few external differences between the Ra'ad-I and Ra'ad-II models, despite the latter's purportedly doubled range capability. Both models share a twin-tail design until 2022 when the Ra'ad-II adopted an 'X-tail' configuration.

The 2023 photograph shows that the JF-17 was carrying a Ra'ad with a twin-tail configuration, identified as that of the Ra'ad-I. This discovery suggests that Pakistan could not only extend the operational life of its JF-17s by assigning them strategic roles but also that it is preparing for the possible retirement of the Mirage III/Vs.

This evolution raises questions about Pakistan's future capabilities and intentions in the field of nuclear deterrence, especially at a time when regional stability is continuously under scrutiny. Although the operational deployment of the Ra'ad on the JF-17 has not yet been confirmed, the implications of such an advancement are vast, affecting both regional security and the power dynamics in South Asia.

The JF-17, a project developed jointly with China, has been produced in over 130 units and has been presented as an alternative to India's LCA Tejas at various international shows. The latest model, the Block III, even includes technologies from the J-20 stealth fighter.

The JF-17 Thunder itself is a lightweight multi-role fighter aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chinese Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) to meet the diverse needs of the Pakistani Air Force. Designed to be economical and versatile, the JF-17 is an essential air defense solution for Pakistan, playing a crucial role in modernizing its air fleet in the face of regional competitors.

The development of the JF-17 began in the 1990s with the aim of replacing the aging combat aircraft of the Pakistani Air Force and providing an adaptable platform capable of undertaking various types of missions, including reconnaissance, ground attack, and air defense. Since its introduction, the JF-17 has been regularly updated in several versions, culminating in the Block III, which incorporates significant technological advancements.

The JF-17 Block III, the most recent variant, represents a significant leap forward from its predecessors, with improvements in avionics, weapon systems, and survivability capabilities. This model also integrates elements of the stealth technology developed for the J-20 fighter, such as radar-absorbing coatings and an improved design to reduce radar signature. These innovations enhance the JF-17's ability to operate in contested environments, allowing it to better compete with modern aircraft from other nations.

Finally, Pakistan possesses a diversified arsenal of nuclear-capable missiles that includes cruise missiles as well as ballistic missiles. Besides the Ra'ad (Hatf-VIII), which is an air-to-ground cruise missile, Pakistan has several variants of ballistic missiles that can also be equipped with nuclear warheads. Among these are the Shaheen-I (Hatf-IV) and Shaheen-II (Hatf-VI), intermediate-range ballistic missiles with enhanced range and precision capabilities. The Ghauri (Hatf-V), a medium-range ballistic missile, is also an important part of Pakistan's strategic arsenal. Additionally, the Babur (Hatf-VII), a ground-launched cruise missile, offers another option for nuclear strikes with substantial range and precision, similar to modern cruise missile systems. These missile systems are continually updated and modernized to maintain the credibility of Pakistan's nuclear deterrence in the face of regional security developments.

Pakistan Nuclear-Capable Ra'ad 2 Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) (Picture source: PAKDefense)