ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has successfully conducted the flight test of the indigenously developed “Taimoor” weapon system, the military’s media affairs wing said on Saturday.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the development marked another significant milestone in the advancement of national aerospace and defence capabilities. “Taimoor air-launched cruise missile is capable of engaging enemy land and sea targets with high precision at a range of 600 kilometres, carrying a conventional warhead,” it added.

“Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and guidance system, Taimoor is designed to fly at very low altitudes, enabling it to effectively evade hostile air and missile defence systems. Its precision-strike capability significantly enhances the conventional deterrence and operational flexibility of PAF, further strengthening the country’s overall defence posture,” it said.

“The successful flight test underscores the technical maturity, innovation and self-reliance achieved by Pakistan’s defence industry. The launch was witnessed by senior officers of the armed forces, along with distinguished scientists and engineers who played a pivotal role in the development of this advanced weapon system,” the ISPR said.

Taimoor capable of engaging enemy land and sea targets with high precision

PAF chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu extended congratulations to the scientists, engineers and PAF team on the achievement, the statement said. “He lauded their professional excellence, dedication and unwavering commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s defence capabilities,” it added.

The air chief also reaffirmed that such accomplishments “are a testament to the nation’s resolve to achieve technological self-sufficiency and maintain a credible conventional deterrent in the evolving regional security environment.

The successful test of the Taimoor weapon system reflects PAF’s continued pursuit of ope-rational readiness, technologi-cal superiority and national

security objectives,” he was quoted as saying.

President, PM pay tribute to PAF

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to PAF for the successful test of Taimoor air-launched cruise missile.

“The preparation of modern weapons at the local level is a clear reflection of national capability, resolve, and institutional expertise,” the president said in a statement.

The president said that the success of the test has “further strengthened national defence and bolstered Pakistan’s responsible defence policy for ensuring stability in the region”.

He lauded the “hard work, dedication, and spirit of national service of scientists, engineers, and the officers and personnel of PAF”.

PM Shehbaz also congratulated PAF for the successful test, stating that the weapon system will “further enhance the country’s defence”.

He acknowledged the recognition of the professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment of the PAF to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.

“The country’s defence will be further strengthened thanks to the Taimoor weapon system. The successful flight test demonstrates the technological maturity, innovation, and self-reliance of Pakistan’s defence industry and reflects PAF’s operational readiness, technological superiority, and continuous efforts to achieve national security objectives,” the prime minister said in a statement.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2026