Amidst global concerns about the safety of its atomic arsenal, Pakistan on Tuesday test fired a nuclear-capable cruise missile with a range of 700 kilometres, which could hit targets inside India.
"The successful launch of the medium range Babar Hatf-7 missile was part of a continuous process of validating the design parameters for this weapon system," the army said in a statement.
It did not say where the test was carried out. State-run Pakistan Television showed footage of the missile lifting off from a launcher.
"The test will consolidate Pakistan's strategic capability and strengthen national security," the statement said.
The Babar cruise missile can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads. The 1.5-tonne, 22-foot long missile is capable of carrying a 250-kg warhead.
It is believed Pakistan is working on developing a nuclear warhead that would fit into it.
President Pervez Musharraf [Images] and caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro congratulated defence scientists and engineers on the successful missile test.
The army statement said, "The Babar has near-stealth capabilities and is a low-flying, terrain hugging missile with high maneuverability, pin-point accuracy and radar avoidance features".
© Copyright 2007 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.
|
Advertisement
Email this Article 
Print this Article