| Ghauri-III / Hatf-VIII | |
|---|---|
| Type | Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) |
| Place of origin | Pakistan |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Pakistan |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | Conventional or nuclear |
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|
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| Engine | Multi-stage liquid fuel rocket |
| Propellant | Liquid fuel |
| Operational range |
3,000-3,500 km [1] |
| Guidance system |
Inertial guidance |
| Launch platform |
Transporter erector launcher (TEL) |
The Ghauri-III is an intermediate-range ballistic missile being developed by Pakistan. Based on the previous Ghauri I and II missiles, it has three liquid fuel rocket stages. Currently its range is longer than any other ballistic missile in Pakistan's arsenal. The Ghauri-III reportedly started development around 1999 [2] with a planned range of over 3,000 km.[3][4] Few details are known, but Ghauri III is presumed to be road mobile, being transported and launched by a transporter erector launcher. The warhead, like other Pakistani ballistic missiles, is believed to be either conventional or nuclear and guided by an inertial guidance system.
In late May 2004 it was reported that the missile would be to be ready for testing in June of that year, similarly in 2009 it was reported that missile will be tested in August 2009 but no test has taken place as of 2011.[5] [6] [7]
It was reported on 28 May 2011 that, according to the memoirs of Abdul Qadeer Khan published that day, the funding for the development of the Ghauri III missile system was stopped in May 2000 by then Chief Executive, Pervez Musharraf. Around 50% of the missile's development project was completed by that time. AQ Khan quotes Musharraf asking "you want to destroy Israel?".[8] [9]
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