Fatah-IV

History

The Fatah-IV was unveiled at Pakistan's Independence Day military event in August 2025. Information displayed at the event provided initial specifications for the missile. In September 2025, the Pakistan Army conducted the first recorded training launch of the Fatah-IV at a range of 750 kilometres. On 14 May 2026, the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC) conducted a further training launch to validate technical parameters of various subsystems. On 6 October 2026, Pakistan test-fired an extended-range (ER) version of the Fatah-IV. The ISPR announced that the trial validated performance at extended ranges and assessed upgraded subsystems for improved accuracy and survivability. No details regarding the ER variant's maximum range, flight profile, payload, or propulsion were disclosed.

Design

The Fatah-IV is a ground-launched, surface-to-surface land-attack cruise missile. Images published at the time of its unveiling indicate a two-stage, solid-fuel-propelled subsonic configuration with fin stabilisation. The missile is designed for low-altitude, terrain-following flight at a maximum altitude of 50 m, a profile intended to reduce radar detection. It is equipped with advanced avionics and state-of-the-art navigational aids. Analysis of publicly available images suggests the missile likely incorporates GPS and a terrain-contour matching guidance system, and may be fitted with an altimeter to enable the claimed terrain-hugging capability. The missile carries a 330 kg blast-fragmentation conventional warhead. The Fatah-IV is manufactured by the state-owned Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) as part of the wider Fatah family, which also includes the Fatah-I, Fatah-II, and Fatah-III.

Operational history

The Pakistan Army operates Fatah-I and Fatah-III in its Fatah missile family. The operational status of the Fatah-IV remains unconfirmed as of the latest available information. The missile has undergone recorded test launches in September 2025, May 2026, and October 2026 (extended-range variant), but its entry into full operational service has not been announced.

Variants

• Baseline Fatah-IV – The original configuration with a stated range of 750 km, unveiled in August 2025 and subjected to training launches in September 2025 and May 2026.
• Extended-range Fatah-IV – An upgraded variant tested on 6 October 2026. The ISPR confirmed the launch validated performance at extended ranges and assessed new subsystems for improved accuracy and survivability, but did not disclose the specific range increment or other technical changes.

Operators

• Pakistan – Pakistan Army (ARFC); training and test launches conducted in 2025 and 2026; operational deployment not yet confirmed.

Specifications (baseline Fatah-IV)

General characteristics

• Length: 7.5 m
• Weight: 1,530 kg
• Maximum altitude: 50 m
• Warhead: 330 kg blast-fragmentation, conventional

Performance

• Range: 750 km
• Maximum speed: Mach 0.7
• Flight profile: Low-altitude, terrain-following
• Propulsion: Two-stage, solid fuel
• Guidance: Advanced avionics with navigational aids; likely GPS and terrain-contour matching