PAF Tests Indigenous ‘Taimoor’ Air-Launched Cruise Missile with 600km Strike Range

The Inter-Services Public Relations on Tuesday announced that the Pakistan Air Force has successfully conducted the flight test of the indigenously developed Taimoor Weapon System, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s aerospace and defence capabilities.

According to the ISPR statement, Taimoor is an air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) capable of engaging both land and sea targets with high precision at a range of up to 600 kilometres. The missile carries a conventional warhead and is designed to significantly enhance the Pakistan Air Force’s long-range strike capability.

Advanced Features and Operational Role

The Taimoor cruise missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation and guidance system, enabling it to conduct precision strikes while flying at very low altitudes. This terrain-hugging flight profile allows the missile to evade hostile air-defence and missile-defence systems, increasing its survivability in contested environments.

Defence analysts note that the successful test strengthens Pakistan’s conventional deterrence, offering the PAF greater operational flexibility and the ability to hold high-value targets at risk from extended stand-off distances.

Boost to Indigenous Defence Capability

The successful flight test highlights the technical maturity and innovation achieved by Pakistan’s defence industry, reflecting sustained progress toward self-reliance in advanced weapon systems. Senior officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces witnessed the launch, alongside scientists and engineers who played a key role in the development of the missile.

Officials say the programme demonstrates Pakistan’s growing capacity to design, integrate and test sophisticated precision-guided munitions using indigenous expertise.

Air Chief Congratulates Scientists and PAF Team

Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, congratulated the scientists, engineers and PAF personnel involved in the project, praising their professionalism and dedication.

The Air Chief said such achievements underscore Pakistan’s resolve to achieve technological self-sufficiency and maintain a credible conventional deterrent amid an evolving regional security environment. He reaffirmed the PAF’s commitment to operational readiness, technological superiority and the defence of national security interests.

Regional Context

The test comes at a time of heightened focus on long-range precision strike systems across South Asia, where air-launched cruise missiles are increasingly viewed as critical tools for deterrence and rapid response. Military observers say systems like Taimoor add depth to Pakistan’s strike options while reinforcing its emphasis on conventional — rather than strategic — deterrence.