Pakistan successfully tests first domestically developed Fa'az air-to-air missile

Pakistan conducted the maiden flight test of its first indigenously developed Fa'az air-to-air missile on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The test represents a milestone in Pakistan's aerospace and defence capabilities, demonstrating domestic advancement in missile technology.

The Fa'az missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art terminal guidance system and is capable of engaging enemy aerial targets at longer ranges. According to ISPR, the successful test underscores the technical maturity, innovation, and self-reliance achieved by Pakistan's defence industry. The missile is designed to significantly enhance the operational flexibility of the Pakistan Air Force and strengthen the country's overall defence posture.

The flight test was witnessed by senior officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, as well as scientists and engineers who developed the weapon system. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and the service chiefs all congratulated the scientists and engineers on the achievement. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi separately issued a statement congratulating the nation, describing the test as an important development in the defence sector.

The Fa'az test follows Pakistan's recent testing of other domestically developed missiles. In October 2026, Pakistan conducted successful flight tests of the extended-range Fatah-2 hypersonic ballistic missile (October 13) and an extended version of the Fatah-IV ground-launched cruise missile (October 6). Both systems were reported to feature advanced navigation systems and state-of-the-art avionics, with capabilities for precision targeting and defeating missile defence systems.