Based on an image from the rehearsal for the canceled Pakistan Day Parade in 2023, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) has published research suggesting that the Pakistan Air Force is working on integrating Ra’ad cruise missiles into its JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. It is estimated that these missiles will replace Mirage III/V aircraft in the nuclear strike role, with the Mirages already beginning to be phased out gradually. Pakistan currently operates more than 130 JF-17 aircraft across its fleets.
The FAS analysis involved a detailed comparison of new images of Ra’ad I/II missiles, which were released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan, with the aforementioned JF-17 used in the trials. Reference was also made to a series of images from parades held in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024, where these missiles were displayed alongside other nuclear-capable systems such as Nasr, Ghauri, Shaheen-IA, and -II.
The analysis revealed minimal observable differences between the missile models analyzed, except for minor changes in the shape of the tail fins (current models feature an “X” shape). Specifically, the 2023 photo of the JF-17 showed a Ra’ad-I missile approximately 5 meters in length, consistent with what was observed in photos from a launcher participating in the 2019 parade.
In its conclusion, the FAS stated, “It is clear that Pakistan has redesigned the Ra’ad-II ALCM, but there is little confirmed information on the purpose or associated capabilities of this new design. It is also unclear whether any Ra’ad systems have been deployed, but this may be a matter of when, not if. (…) Based on these observations, Pakistan has likely made significant progress in equipping its JF-17 with the capability to eventually complement – and possibly replace – the nuclear strike role of the aging Mirage III/V.”
It’s important to note some characteristics of the Ra’ad-I cruise missile, although official details are limited. It is estimated to have a range of around 600 kilometers based on testing conducted in 2020. Additionally, it is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads and can be deployed from the air against land and maritime targets, in addition to common ground-based launch platforms. It was in 2020 that Pakistani efforts to integrate it onto an aerial platform began, now confirmed to be the JF-17.
*Image credits: FAS
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