Pakistan Conducts Test of Enhanced Abdali Missile After India Terms Move a ‘Reckless Provocation’

New Delhi: Just hours after Indian authorities described Pakistan’s plan to test a ballistic missile as a “reckless act of provocation”, Islamabad on Saturday went ahead with the launch of its Abdali surface-to-surface missile — a move likely to further heighten regional tensions.

In an official statement, Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed the launch, saying it was conducted “to ensure the operational readiness of troops” and to “validate key technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability features”.

The ISPR described the launch as a routine military exercise, but Indian officials voiced concern over the timing and nature of the test, especially given the recent strains in bilateral ties. “Such actions are irresponsible and undermine regional stability,” a senior Indian defence official said earlier on Saturday, cautioning that the launch would be viewed as a deliberate provocation.

The missile tested — Abdali — is a short-range, tactical, land-based ballistic missile, which has traditionally been listed with a range of 180 to 200 kilometres. However, defence experts noted that Saturday’s test involved an advanced version, potentially extending its range to 450 kilometres, marking a significant upgrade in Pakistan’s strategic arsenal.

The road-mobile, solid-fuel missile is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads and is a part of Pakistan’s strategic forces command.