Pakistan test-fires nuclear-capable missile

2012-09-17 13:11

A Hatf IX short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile launched from an undisclosed location in Pakistan in May 2012. (AFP, File)

Islamabad - Pakistan on Monday test-fired a nuclear-capable cruise missile with "stealth features", the military said, the country's first such exercise in more than three months.

The military described the Hatf-VII Babur missile as a "low-flying, terrain-hugging missile, which can strike targets both at land and sea with pin point accuracy" and has a range of 700km.

Pakistan's last missile test, also of a Hatf-VII, came in June at the end of a spate of five launches in around six weeks that followed arch-rival India successfully firing its Agni V rocket, which can deliver a nuclear warhead anywhere in China.

The military said Monday's launch was carried out from a "Multi Tube Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV)", which it said improved the Babur system's targeting and deployment capabilities.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars - two over the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir - and have routinely carried out missile tests since both demonstrated nuclear weapons capability in 1998.

Defence analysts say India's strategic priorities are focusing more on China, while Pakistan is still concerned about its eastern neighbour.

- AFP