Pakistan test fires nuclear-capable Babur missile

Islamabad, July 26: Pakistan today successfully tested a cruise missile capable of carrying a variety of warheads, including nuclear, a military official said.

The Babur Hatf VII missile has a range of 700 km. It was last tested in March.

''It was a successful test,'' the official said on condition of anonymity.

The Babur Hatf VII is a terrain-hugging, radar avoiding cruise missile.

The missile was first tested in 2005. Since, then its range has been enhanced to 700 km, from 500 km previously.

Nuclear-armed Pakistan and India routinely carry out missile tests despite a peace process they launched in early 2004, and both have agreed to inform each other of such tests in advance.

The two South Asian neighbours carried out tit-for-tat nuclear weapons tests in 1998.

Reuters>