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Pakistan test fires nuclear-capable cruise missile
Rezaul H Laskar in Islamabad
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December 11, 2007 12:13 IST
Last Updated: December 11, 2007 16:49 IST

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".
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