Pakistan tests cruise missile for second time

ISLAMABAD, March 21 (Reuters) - Pakistan successfully tested a nuclear-capable cruise missile for the second time, the military said today.

Pakistan first tested the Babur, or Hatf VII, cruise missile in August last year, marking a significant boost to its arsenal.

''All phases of the planned trajectory were extremely successful and the missile impacted with pinpoint accuracy,'' a military statement, adding that President Pervez Musharraf witnessed the test at an undisclosed location.

The military said the test was ''ground-launched'', but added the missile ''will also be capable of being placed in submarines and on surface ship''.

''The Babur, which has near stealth capabilities, is a low-flying, terrain hugging missile with high manoeuvrability, pinpoint accuracy and radar avoidance features,'' it said.

''With a range of 500 km, it can carry all types of warheads.'' Pakistan's arch-rival India already has cruise missiles that can be launched from submarine.

REUTERS PR VC1129