Pakistan poised to export cruise missiles
Global Industrial & Defence
Solutions (GIDS) unveiled the Taimoor air-launched cruise
missile (ALCM) for the first time at the 2022 International Defence Exhibition
and Seminar (IDEAS 2022). Similar to its counterpart, the Harbah
NG anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), the Taimoor is marketed for export and
designed for dual-use: land-attack and anti-ship missions.
Design Background of the GIDS Taimoor
The Taimoor is likely an export
version of Pakistan's Ra’ad-II, a long-range ALCM used by the Pakistan Air
Force (PAF). Both missiles share key design features, such as the
"X"-shaped tail control surfaces, foldable wings, and an underslung
air-inlet for a compact turbojet engine. The Taimoor also incorporates
low-observability (LO) design elements aimed at minimizing its radar
cross-section (RCS).
While the Ra’ad-II has a range of
550-600 km, the Taimoor's range has been restricted to 290 km to comply with
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) guidelines. Despite this limitation,
the Taimoor retains much of the Ra’ad-II's advanced technologies, including
terrain-following flight and sophisticated guidance systems
like TERCOM and DSMAC. These capabilities ensure the missile
remains an effective long-range strike option for its users.
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Key Specifications of the GIDS
Taimoor
Length: 4.38 meters
Wingspan: 3.20 meters
Weight: 1,100-1,200 kg
Range: 290 km
Cruise Speed: Mach 0.7-0.8 (450-500
knots)
Terminal Speed: Mach 0.8 (500 knots)
Launch Altitude: 2,000-25,000 ft
(610-7,620 meters)
Cruise Altitude: 500-20,000 ft
(152-6,096 meters)
Guidance and Propulsion:
Mid-course: INS with GNSS/GPS &
TERCOM/DSMAC
Terminal Guidance: Imaging Infrared
(IIR) seeker
Warhead Options: Blast
fragmentation, penetration, or pre-fragmentation
Propulsion: Likely a miniature
turbojet engine (possibly NESCOM NTJ-V1)
Key Capabilities of the Taimoor ALCM
Dual Land-Attack and Anti-Ship
Missions: The Taimoor is capable of targeting both fixed and moving targets,
including surface warships. The missile employs an IIR seeker during its
terminal stage to home in on moving targets. The satellite-aided inertial
navigation system (INS) guides the missile until it reaches its final target,
with TERCOM and DSMAC enhancing resilience in GPS-denied or electronic warfare
environments.
Long-Range and Heavy Payload: While
the exact weight of the Taimoor's warhead has not been disclosed, it is
expected to be comparable to other modern ALCMs, carrying warheads in the range
of 450-500 kg. Despite the reduced range of 290 km, the missile still offers a
flexible long-range strike option, capable of delivering payloads at standoff
ranges, minimizing the risk from enemy air defenses.
Low-Observability Design: The
Taimoor features design elements that reduce its radar cross-section (RCS) and
enhance its survivability. It can fly at low altitudes using terrain-following
capabilities (via TERCOM and DSMAC), helping the missile evade detection by
enemy radar systems.
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Flexible Launch Platform
Integration: The Taimoor is designed to be integrated into a wide variety of
aircraft, making it a versatile option for potential buyers who may not operate
Pakistan’s major platforms like the JF-17 Thunder. This flexibility in integration
is a major selling point for GIDS, allowing the missile to be adapted to
various fighter aircraft.
Marketability and Export Potential
The Taimoor ALCM offers Pakistan a
competitive edge in the global defense market. Many countries face limitations
in procuring such advanced munitions, making the Taimoor an attractive option
due to its cost-effectiveness and adaptable nature. Additionally, the Taimoor
strengthens the appeal of the JF-17 Thunder, enhancing the aircraft's
capability for high-impact deep-strike missions.
Expansion at IDEAS 2024
At the IDEAS
2024 exhibition, GIDS expanded its lineup with the Rasoob 250, a
smaller ALCM with improved low-observability features, building upon the
Taimoor’s design principles. With these new offerings, GIDS is establishing a
credible portfolio of air-launched stand-off weapons (SOW), catering to a wide
range of operational needs, from short to long-range strike capabilities.
In summary, the GIDS
Taimoor ALCM offers a strategic, flexible, and advanced solution for
long-range strikes, positioning Pakistan as a key player in the global defense
export market.
Source: https://quwa.org/