ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) — The Pakistani military on Tuesday said it has successfully test fired another short-range ballistic missile which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It comes just a week after Pakistan test-fired a surface-to-surface missile.
A military spokesperson said the Hatf-VII cruise missile, which is also known as Babur, has a range of approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles) and is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. It includes stealth capabilities and uses modern technology to enhance its precision.
“[The] Babur cruise missile is a low flying, terrain hugging missile with high maneuverability, pin-point accuracy and radar avoidance features,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “It also incorporates the most modern cruise missile technology of Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC), which enhances its precision and effectiveness manifolds.”
The military said the missile was launched from a multi-tube missile launch vehicle but provided no exact location. It said the test was witnessed by a number of senior military officials, scientists and engineers. Among those who witnessed the test was General Khalid Shameem Wynne, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
“The test will consolidate Pakistan’s strategic deterrence capability, and further strengthen national security,” the spokesperson said in the statement, adding that both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gilani welcomed the successful launch and congratulated the scientists and engineers involved.
Since independence from the United Kingdom in 1947, Pakistan and its neighbor India have fought four wars, including one undeclared war, as well as numerous border skirmishes and military stand-offs. The two countries were on the brink of nuclear conflict in 2002 over the disputed territory of Kashmir, but a ceasefire was agreed to in 2003 although violations still occur. Both nations frequently develop new missiles.
