Ababeel (missile)

{{Short description|Pakistani Ballistic Missile}}

{{About|Pakistani MRBM|Iraqi SRBM|Ababil-100}}

{{distinguish|Operation Ababil}}

{{Infobox weapon

| name = Ababeel Missile

| image =

| origin = {{PAK}}

| type = MIRV surface-to-surface missile ballistic missile

| is_ranged = yes

| is_bladed = no

| is_explosive = yes

| is_artillery = yes

| is_vehicle = yes

| is_missile = yes

| is_UK = no

| service = 2017–Present

| used_by = {{army|PAK}}
{{small|(Army Strategic Forces Command)}}

| design_date = 2010–2017

| manufacturer = National Engineering & Scientific Commission (NESCOM)

| spec_label = Technical data

| weight =

| length =

| part_length =

| width =

| height = {{convert|21.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}

| diameter = {{convert|1.80|m|ft|abbr=on}} (Tip),

{{convert|1.40|m|ft|abbr=on}} (Body)

| velocity =

| range =

| max_range = {{cvt|2200|km|mi}}

| feed =

| sights =

| filling = HE/NE

| filling_weight = 3-8 MIRVs
3 Warheads of 500kg each (standard)
5 Warheads of 300kg each
8 Warheads of 185kg each

| detonation =

| yield = >{{convert|50|ktonTNT|lk=in}}

| armour =

| primary_armament =

| secondary_armament =

| engine =

| engine_power =

| pw_ratio =

| payload_capacity =

| transmission = Automatic

| suspension = WS21200 16WD
{{small|(With Pakistani military markings)}}

| clearance =

| fuel_capacity =

| vehicle_range =

| guidance = Inertial, Terminal

| steering =

| wingspan =

| propellant = Solid-fuel

| ceiling =

| altitude =

| depth =

| boost =

| accuracy =

| launch_platform = Transporter erector launcher (TEL), Launch pad

| transport =

}}

Ababeel Missile ({{Langx|ur|اَبَابِیل|abābīl}}) or the Ababeel Weapon System{{Cite news |last=Shirazi |first=Iftikhar |date=2023-10-18 |title=Pakistan conducts successful flight test of 'Ababeel' weapon system |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1781808 |access-date=2023-10-18 |work=Dawn}} is an MIRV surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile developed by Pakistan. It is "aimed at ensuring survivability of Pakistan's ballistic missiles in the growing regional Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) environment", in response to the Indian anti-ballistic missile systems.{{Cite web|title=Ababeel|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ababeel/|access-date=2021-11-22|website=Missile Threat|language=en-US}}

BBC reported in 2010 that Pakistan is in the advance stages of developing MIRV technology with the help from the Chinese for its missiles.{{Cite news |last=Hasan |first=Syed Shoaib |date=1 December 2010 |title=Pakistan's growing nuclear programme |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11888973 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019050318/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11888973|archive-date=19 October 2021}}

The National Interest called Ababeel "the Ultimate Nuclear Missile." The missile's stated purpose is to defeat Indian ballistic missile defense systems.

The missile has a length of 21.5 meters and a diameter of 1.7 meters and is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. It has multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRV), demonstrating South Asia’s first MIRV payload.{{cite web |last1=Keck |first1=Zachary |title=Pakistan Has Just Tested the Ultimate Nuclear Missile |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/pakistan-has-just-tested-the-ultimate-nuclear-missile-24834 |website=The National Interest |language=en |date=9 March 2018}} It has a maximum range of {{convert|2200|km}}.{{cite news

|title=Pakistan conducts first flight test of Ababeel surface-to-surface missile |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1310452/pakistan-conducts-first-flight-test-of-ababeel-surface-to-surface-missile |work=Dawn |access-date=24 January 2017 |date=24 January 2017}}{{cite web|title=Pakistan conducts first flight test of surface-to-surface Ababeel missile |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1305179/pakistan-conducts-first-flight-test-surface-surface-missile/

|website=Express Tribune|access-date=24 January 2017|date=24 January 2017

}}{{cite news|last1=Panda|first1=Ankit|title=Why Pakistan's newly flight-tested Multiple Nuclear Warhead-Capable Missile really matters|url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/01/why-pakistans-newly-flight-tested-multiple-nuclear-warhead-capable-missile-really-matters/|access-date=25 September 2017|work=The Diplomat|date=25 January 2017}}

Some sources suggest that Ababeel is a further development of the Shaheen-III airframe and solid-fuel motors, but with a payload fairing of enlarged diameter to accept the MIRV warhead. The second stage is also lengthened.

The first publicly announced test launch was conducted on 24 January 2017."[https://www.dia.mil/News/Speeches-and-Testimonies/Article-View/Article/1457815/statement-for-the-record-worldwide-threat-assessment/ Statement for the Record: Worldwide Threat Assessment]", Defense Intelligence Agency, US,

March 6, 2018.{{cite web|title=Pakistan successfully test fires long range missile Ababeel|url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/01/24/pakistan-successfully-test-fires-long-range-missile-ababeel/|website=Pakistan Today|access-date=24 January 2017}}
{{cite web

|title=Pakistan successfully conducts test of ballistic missile 'Ababeel' |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/181440-Pakistan-successfully-conducts-test-of-ballistic-missile-Ababeel|website=The News International|access-date=24 January 2017|date=24 January 2017}}
{{cite web|title=Pakistan conducts successful test of surface-to-surface 'Ababeel' missile

|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/128546-Pakistan-conducts-successful-test-flight-of-SSBM-Ababeel|website=Geo TV|access-date=24 January 2017}}
{{cite web|title=Pakistan conducts successful test of long range missile Ababeel|url=https://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2017/01/pakistan-missile-ababeel/|website=Samaa TV|access-date=24 January 2017}} As of June 2017 no missiles were thought to be operationally deployed.{{cite web|title=2017 Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat|url=https://www.nasic.af.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=F2VLcKSmCTE%3d&portalid=19|publisher=National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC)|access-date=25 September 2017}}

On 18 October 2023, Pakistan announced it had conducted another test of the missile, referring to it as the "Ababeel Weapon System".