What is Shaheen-II Missile?

About Shaheen-II Missile:

• It is a Pakistani medium-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
• It is believed that the Shaheen 2 is derived from the People’s Republic of China (PRC)-developed M-18, though this has not been confirmed.
• Specifications:
  • It is a solid-fueled, two-stage missile with an estimated range of 1,500–2,000 km.
  • It measures 17.2 m long, 1.4 m in diameter, and weighs 23,600 kg at launch.
  • It is designed to carry conventional or nuclear payloads.
  • Its separating warhead is thought to feature four small motors to improve accuracy; the missile’s accuracy is estimated at 350 m circular error probable (CEP).
  • It is transported and launched by a 6-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL). 

What are Ballistic Missiles?

• A ballistic missile is a rocket-propelled, self-guided strategic weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined target.
• They are powered initially by a rocket or series of rockets in stages, but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target.
• They can carry conventional high explosives as well as chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.
• They can be launched from aircraft, ships, and submarines, in addition to land-based silos and mobile platforms.
• There are four general classifications of ballistic missiles based on their range, or the maximum distance the missile can travel:
  • Short-range: less than 1,000 kilometers (approximately 620 miles), also known as “tactical” ballistic missiles.
  • Medium-range: between 1,000 and 3,000 kilometers (approximately 620-1,860 miles), also known as “theater” ballistic missiles.
  • Intermediate-range: between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometers (approximately 1,860-3,410 miles)
  • Long-range: more than 5,500 kilometers (approximately 3,410 miles), also known as intercontinental or strategic ballistic missiles.
• Short- and medium-range ballistic missiles are referred to as theater ballistic missiles, whereas ICBMs, or long-range ballistic missiles, are described as strategic ballistic missiles. 

Q1: What are cruise missiles?

Cruise missiles are unmanned vehicles that are propelled by jet engines, much like an airplane. They can be launched from ground, air, or sea platforms. Cruise missiles remain within the atmosphere for the duration of their flight and can fly as low as a few meters off the ground. Flying low to the surface of the earth expends more fuel but makes a cruise missile very difficult to detect.

Source: Pakistan Conducts Successful Training Launch Of Shaheen-II Ballistic Missile