The Hatf 1 is a short-range, road-mobile, solid-fueled ballistic missile. There are three versions: the 1, 1A, and 1B.

Hatf 1 Development

Pakistan first revealed the Hatf 1 missile in 1989. The missile and its variants were likely developed with French and Chinese assistance. The missile body is directly derived from France’s Eridan sounding rocket, with several French companies thought to have cooperated with the Pakistani government.¹ These units were reportedly assembled with substantial Chinese assistance.²

An upgraded variant designated Hatf 1A reportedly entered service in 1995. It features an increased range of 100 km and improved accuracy.

Specifications

The Hatf 1 is a mobile, tactical system that was revealed by Pakistani officials in 1989 and entered service around 1992. It is ground mobile and can be launched from Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) vehicles.³ The missile has no in-flight guidance, as evidenced by the long launch ramp that accompanies it, making it similar in form to an artillery rocket. This makes Hatf 1’s accuracy poor. Even if properly aimed, it can likely only hit within several kilometers of the target area. The Hatf 1 has a range of approximately 70 km when carrying a 500 kg warhead.⁴ The Hatf 1 is probably deployed with high explosive or chemical weapons, and although it could theoretically carry a tactical nuclear weapon, Pakistan has declared it to be non-nuclear.⁵ The missile is single staged, with a diameter of 0.56 m and is 6 m in length. Due to its solid propellant, it is simple to store, transport, and fire.

The Hatf 1B, the final evolution of the Hatf 1, was first flight tested in February 2000. It likely became operational in 2004. The Hatf 1B is probably a Hatf 1A that employs a rudimentary inertial guidance system while retaining the range and payload of the original Hatf 1. Despite the addition of the guidance system, which presumably gives it accuracy in the hundreds of meters CEP, it is still effectively an artillery system.⁶