The secret power of Pakistan's Taimoor AGM cruise missile

Pakistan has inducted the Taimoor air-launched cruise missile (ALCM), a new breakthrough in the country's high-tech weapons production.

At the International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2024 (IDEAS) in Karachi, Pakistan unveiled the Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), a new breakthrough in the country’s military technology. Taimoor is not only a testament to Pakistan’s growing defence production capacity but also demonstrates the country’s strategy to enhance its deterrence capabilities, especially in a challenging regional context.

Taimoor is designed with a range of 290km and high-precision targeting capabilities, allowing it to attack both ground and sea targets. In particular, this missile can operate at altitudes of 2,000 to 25,000 feet when launched and cruise at low altitudes, from 500 to 20,000 feet. This design helps the missile avoid enemy radar, increasing its survivability against advanced air defense systems.

At the International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2024 (IDEAS) in Karachi, Pakistan showcased the Taimoor air-launched cruise missile (ALCM). Photo: Bulgarianmilitary

The modern guidance system, including inertial and GNSS guidance, gives the Taimoor great flexibility, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of missions. With warhead options ranging from high-explosive fragmentation to penetrating warheads, the Taimoor can effectively engage even hard targets such as bunkers and warships at sea.

The highlight of the Taimoor lies in its integration with the JF-17 Thunder fighter, a joint product between Pakistan and China. The JF-17 has been upgraded to carry modern weapons, and the addition of the Taimoor to this arsenal significantly increases the long-range strike potential of the Pakistan Air Force.

The JF-17’s ability to carry the Taimoor not only enhances its combat capabilities but also positions it as a cost-effective military solution. In a global defense landscape that is moving towards flexible, affordable platforms, this combination is a strategic advantage.

Taimoor is compared to similar Western cruise missiles such as MBDA's Storm Shadow/SCALP and the German and Swedish Taurus KEPD 350. While the Storm Shadow and Taurus have longer ranges, Taimoor remains an effective choice due to its lower production costs, stealth capabilities and high accuracy.

All three missiles use a low-flying profile to avoid radar, but the Storm Shadow and Taurus have the advantage in operational deployment and longer development histories. However, the Taimoor offers Pakistan a unique advantage thanks to its balanced combination of modern technology and strategic flexibility.

The development and deployment of systems like Taimoor not only strengthens Pakistan’s military capabilities but also opens up opportunities in the global defense market. With the ability to manufacture high-tech products, Pakistan can compete with international arms exporters while reducing its dependence on other countries.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/bi-mat-suc-manh-ten-lua-hanh-trinh-taimoor-agm-cua-pakistan-360042.html