Pakistan tests homegrown Fa'az missile

ISLAMABAD: The Pak­is­tan Air Force has successfully conducted the first fli­ght test of its indigenously developed Fa'az air-to-air missile, marking a significant step towards dom­estic production of advanced airborne weapons. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the missile is equi­pped with an advanced terminal guidance system and is capable of engaging aerial targets at longer ran­ges, enhancing PAF's operational flexibility and country's defence capabilities. Although the military did not disclose the missile's range or launch platform, defence observers believe the tested variant was the Fa'az-IIR, equipped with an imaging infrared seeker. GIDS specifications indicate that the Fa'az series has a projected range exceeding 100km and a maximum speed of Mach 3.5. An active radar-guided (RF) variant also exists, while the longer-range Fa'az-2 is reportedly under development. Developed under the National Engineering and Scientific Commission, mock-ups of the Fa'az-RF and Fa'az-IIR were first publicly showcased at the 2023 International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul. The missile, analysts say, was test launched from JF-17. The missile's development is particularly significant as PAF currently relies heavily on American and Chinese air-to-air wea­pons, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM, PL-15 and other PL-series missiles. An indigenous Fa'az missile could gradually reduce Pakistan's dependence on foreign suppliers and provide greater flexibility in maintaining and upgrading its fighter aircraft fleet. Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2026