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Pakistan tests Fa'az air-to-air missile, but reach and speed remain a mystery

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Pakistan's military confirmed the inaugural flight test of the indigenously designed Fa'az munition, though critical specifications including maximum speed and operational reach were withheld. The initiative progresses alongside separate international partnerships, including joint missile development efforts with Turkey. Notably, this newly tested weapon is separate from the Fa'az-2 variant currently being developed by Global Industrial and Defence Solutions.

Key points

  • Regional military tensions stemming from the May 2025 clash are driving Pakistan to rapid…: Regional military tensions stemming from the May 2025 clash are driving Pakistan to rapidly expand its homegrown defense manufacturing capabilities.
  • India is actively countering regional aerial threats by deploying the Astra Mk-1 and deve…: India is actively countering regional aerial threats by deploying the Astra Mk-1 and developing the 200-kilometre-range Astra Mk-2.
  • Long-range deterrence in South Asia continues to evolve as India advances the ramjet-powe…: Long-range deterrence in South Asia continues to evolve as India advances the ramjet-powered Astra Mk-3 capable of striking targets up to 350 kilometres away.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Pakistan has announced the successful flight test of its first indigenously developed air-to-air missile, the Fa'az. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the test was witnessed by senior military officers, scientists and engineers involved in its development. Equipped with a terminal guidance system, the missile is designed to engage aerial targets at longer ranges and, according to the military, will add to the

Pakistan Air Force's operational flexibility. The announcement gave no details of the missile's range, speed or performance.

The test comes as Pakistan expands indigenous weapons production and modernises its air force after the military confrontation with India in May 2025. Islamabad is also working with Turkey on beyond-visual-range missile technology. Pakistan's Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS) is developing the Fa'az-2, while Turkey's Tubitak Sage is working on the Gokdogan, and reports suggest the two sides could combine elements of their designs. Nothing in the available information shows that the Fa'az tested now is the FAAZ-2, so the two should be treated as separate systems for now.

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