Pakistan has repeatedly carried out air strikes inside Afghanistan, claiming these are punitive operations in response to attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The most recent strike on 29 June reportedly killed nearly 30 individuals.

These operations highlight Islamabad’s reliance on precision-guided munitions, both imported and domestically developed, to extend the reach of its air force against an adversary lacking air defence systems.

The use of precision weapons provides Pakistani aircraft with a safety margin, allowing them to strike from distance without exposing pilots to immediate danger. However, the Taliban has consistently accused Pakistan of targeting civilians.

One of the deadliest incidents was the strike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul, which claimed the lives of over 400 people, underscoring the devastating impact of these operations.

Among the weapons employed is the Joint Direct Attack Munition, or JDAM. This American guidance kit converts unguided bombs into precision weapons by integrating inertial navigation with GPS. JDAM-equipped bombs have a published range of up to 28 kilometres and can be clipped onto Mark-80 series bombs weighing between 500 and 2,000 pounds. Within Pakistan’s arsenal, only the F-16 fighter jets are capable of deploying JDAMs.

Pakistan has also developed indigenous systems such as the Takbir. Produced by Global Industrial & Defence Solutions, this range-extension kit converts 500-pound class bombs into all-weather precision-guided munitions with a range of 60 kilometres. Compatible with the JF-17 fighters, Takbir relies on inertial guidance and GPS, representing Islamabad’s push for self-reliance in defence technology.

Another domestic innovation is the Al Battaar, Pakistan’s first precision weapon. This laser-guided kit can be affixed to 500 and 1,000 kilogram bombs, with a range of less than 15 kilometres. Deployed by JF-17 fighters, Al Battaar provides short-range precision strike capability against hardened targets.

Pakistan’s arsenal also includes the H-2 and H-4 stand-off weapons. These domestically produced glide bombs employ infrared homing seekers. The H-2 has a maximum range of 60 kilometres, while the H-4 extends to 120 kilometres, giving the air force the ability to strike targets from significant distances.

Chinese-developed systems further bolster Pakistan’s strike capability. The Léi Shí, or Thunder Stone, is a satellite and laser-guided munition produced by a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China. This kit modifies unguided bombs of up to 500 kilograms into guided standoff weapons, deployable from both JF-17 and J-10 fighters.

Another Chinese system is the Fei Teng, or Soaring series, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. These precision-guided bombs use inertial navigation and satellite guidance, and can be employed from J-10 and JF-17 aircraft, further diversifying Pakistan’s strike options.

Together, these weapons demonstrate Pakistan’s reliance on a diverse mix of American, indigenous, and Chinese precision-guided munitions. By employing JDAMs, Takbir, Al Battaar, H-series glide bombs, and Chinese kits such as Léi Shí and Fei Teng, Pakistan has ensured its ability to conduct cross-border strikes from the safety of the air.

The Taliban’s lack of air defence systems has made these operations possible, though the civilian toll has repeatedly drawn condemnation and highlighted the human cost of precision warfare.