Abdali’s Shadow: India’s Call to Crush Terror at Its Core

On April 22, 2025, a horrifying terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 civilians. As India mourned its dead, Pakistan added insult to injury. Just days later, it announced the successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a short-range surface-to-surface missile. The test, conducted as part of Exercise INDUS, was reportedly to check the missile’s readiness and accuracy. But the timing—right after the Pahalgam massacre—raises serious concerns. Was this really a routine drill, or a loud message to India?

What Is the Abdali Missile?

The Abdali (Hatf-II) is a road-mobile, solid-fuelled ballistic missile developed by Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).It is designed for battlefield use, capable of carrying high-explosive warheads or submunitions, and is launched from a Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL)—making it quick to deploy and hard to detect. Pakistan claims its range is 450 km, but many defence analysts estimate it to be between 180–200 km. Its reported Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 150 metres suggests relatively accurate targeting for short-range missions.

Key Specifications of the Abdali Missile

  • Range: 180–200 km (despite Pakistan’s claim of 450 km)
  • Propulsion: Solid-fuel, single-stage
  • Payload: High-explosive or submunitions
  • Launch Platform: Road-mobile TEL
  • Guidance: Inertial navigation system
  • Target Use: Tactical strikes on military bases, airfields, industries, and power plants
  • Destructive Power: Limited, meant for battlefield (tactical) use, not strategic deterrence

Pakistan’s Intent: A Show of Strength?

The missile test, coming so soon after the Pahalgam attack, was not in isolation. It was part of Exercise INDUS, a major aerial drill held at Sargodha, this military exercise is meant to test Pakistan’s combat readiness, especially in air and missile warfare.

This timing cannot be ignored. Pakistan appears to be flexing its military muscle, signalling that it is not afraid of consequences—even when accused of supporting cross-border terrorism. But India cannot afford to respond only with words or warnings.

India Must Shift from Reactive to Proactive

India has strong defences—S-400 missiles, Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) systems like PAD and AAD, and powerful deterrents like Agni and BrahMos missiles. But defence alone is not enough. It’s time for a multi-layered strategy that includes intelligence-driven strikes, economic retaliation, and global diplomacy.

1. Strike at the Source of Terror

India must improve intelligence to locate terror camps and their handlers across the border. Covert operations or surgical strikes—like the Balakot operation—can send a strong message without sparking full-scale war. Exercises like Aakraman, which include Rafale fighters, prove that India’s forces are ready.

2. Hit Where It Hurts: Economy and Image

India has already taken steps—suspending visas for Pakistani citizens, cutting High Commission staff, and closing the Attari land border. These diplomatic moves must be followed by efforts to build international pressure. By exposing Pakistan’s terror links at global forums like the United Nations, India can push for sanctions that choke terror financing.

3. Partner With Like-Minded Nations

Countries like the United States, Israel, and France face similar terror threats. India must strengthen ties through joint counter-terror exercises like Yudh Abhyas (with the US) and Indra (with Russia). Sharing intelligence and strategy enhances India’s readiness and credibility.

4. Secure the Homeland

Our internal systems must stay alert. Better border fencing, drone surveillance, stronger local policing, and quicker data-sharing between agencies can stop attacks before they happen. Exercises like Vajra Prahar train Indian forces for swift special operations and response missions.

Conclusion: Let the World Watch, but India Must Lead

The launch of Abdali and the show of strength through Exercise INDUS are part of Pakistan’s broader game—to provoke, distract, and deny. But India should not be baited into rash moves. Instead, we must adopt a smart, tough, and sustained response.

Terrorism is not just about the gunman who pulls the trigger. It is about the system that trains, funds, shelters, and rewards him. That system must be dismantled—piece by piece, strike by strike, word by word.

India must make it costly for Pakistan to continue this path. With a strong defence industry, credible deterrence, and clear political will, we must lead the fight—not just to defend our soil, but to end the threat at its root.

( The author, Girish Linganna, is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com )

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