Amid tensions with India, Bangladesh eyes 400-km range Abdali ballistic missiles from Pakistan, says report

As per the Pakistan's defence ministry, the Hatf 2 or Abdali SRBM weighs 1,750 kg. A single-stage solid propellant engine is used in the Hatf II missile.

In what could be a major security issue for India, Bangladesh has reportedly requested Pakistan to supply the Abdali short-range ballistic missiles. Known as Hatf-II in Pakistan, these missiles have a range of less than 400 km.

A report by the Indian Defence Research Wing states that Dhaka wants to use these missiles as a deterrent against India. The short range of these missiles places India’s entire North-East within their reach, the report added. Developed by Pakistan’s Space Research Commission, this tactical missile system is currently being used by the Pakistan Army.

The IRDW report pointed out that if this acquisition materializes, it will alter the power dynamics between India and Bangladesh, impacting the overall security situation in South Asia. While the range of the Abdali missiles is limited, their likely deployment by Bangladesh would serve as a deterrent and a response to India’s military stance in the region.

As per the Pakistan's defence ministry, the Hatf 2 or Abdali SRBM weighs 1,750 kg. A single-stage solid propellant engine is used in the Hatf II missile.

While there has been no official confirmation or denial from both Pakistan and Bangladesh, the IDRW report says that Islamabad is likely to give approval for the acquisition. While both these nations are not part of the Missile Technology Regime, global norms may impact the timeline of this probable missile deal.

The Abdali missile comes with a mobile Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) vehicle. Two features of this missile - Transporter-Erector-Launcher and solid propellant makes it easy to transport and launch.

Situation has been very volatile in Bangladesh ever since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister in August. Recently, Dhaka had deployed Bayraktar TB2 drones on border with New Delhi. According to an India Today report, Bayraktar TB2 drones played a crucial role in Azerbaijan-Armenia battle. These are drones had helped Azerbaijan defeat Armenian forces in the 2021 conflict of Nogorno-Karabakh.