Ballistic Missile
Shaheen-III
Shaheen-III is a two-stage solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile developed by Pakistan’s National Development Complex and Strategic Plans Division, first tested in 2015. Its declared range of 2,750 km makes it the longest-range operational Pakistani ballistic missile.
Pakistan|National Development Complex / SPDWhat Is the Shaheen-III? Overview, History and Development
Shaheen-III was first tested on 9 March 2015 from Sonmiani in Balochistan, and a further test in 2021 reported by ISPR confirmed the 2,750 km range. The missile is about 17 m long and 1.4 m in diameter, with a launch mass of around 25 tonnes and a payload of about 1,000 kg (estimates). It is carried on a road-mobile transporter erector launcher, and a top speed of about Mach 18 has been reported, though that figure is hedged.
The declared range was chosen to reach India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands and most of India from deep inside Pakistan. The missile is operated by the Army Strategic Forces Command, and no formal service entry date has been announced. Ababeel, a MIRV-capable development with a 2,200 km range, is related. Western analyses link Shaheen-I and II to Chinese M-9 and M-11 heritage. Washington imposed sanctions on entities tied to long-range programmes in 2024. Comparisons include Agni-V, Agni-III and DF-26.
Shaheen-III Specifications: Range, Speed, Warhead and Guidance
Shaheen-III Variants and Versions Compared
Shaheen-I is the short-range member of the family, based on Chinese M-9 heritage in Western analyses.
Shaheen-II is the medium-range solid-fuel version with a longer reach than Shaheen-I.
Shaheen-III is the longest-range version, with a declared range of 2,750 km.
Which Countries Use the Shaheen-III? Operators and Users
PakistanShaheen-III FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
What is the range of the Shaheen-III missile?
The Shaheen-III has a declared range of 2,750 km. A 2021 test reported by Pakistan’s ISPR confirmed the figure, which was chosen to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
How fast is the Shaheen-III missile?
The Shaheen-III reportedly reaches about Mach 18, though this figure is hedged and unofficial. It is a two-stage solid-fuel ballistic missile, so speed peaks during the reentry phase.
Can the Shaheen-III reach all of India?
The Shaheen-III’s 2,750 km range covers much of India from deep inside Pakistan, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Reaching the farthest northeast or south would depend on the launch location.
Shaheen-III vs Agni-V: which is better?
The Agni-V has the longer range at more than 5,000 km, against 2,750 km for the Shaheen-III. The Indian missile is a three-stage ICBM-class system, while the Pakistani missile is a medium-range ballistic missile.
Is the Shaheen-III nuclear capable?
The Shaheen-III is a nuclear-capable ballistic missile in the Pakistani strategic arsenal, with a payload of about 1,000 kg (estimate). Pakistan has not published warhead details, and it operates under the Army Strategic Forces Command.
Does Pakistan export ballistic missiles like Shaheen-III?
Pakistan has no export agreements for the Shaheen-III or any other ballistic missile. Saudi Arabia has bought Chinese DF-3 and DF-21 missiles independently, not through Pakistan.