Pak test fires nuclear-capable Hatf-7 cruise missile

Rezaul H Laskar

Islamabad, Feb 10 (PTI) Pakistan today test firednuclear-capable Hatf-7 cruise missile with a range of 600 kmthat can hit targets in India.

The test of the indigenously developed missile was "partof a process of validating the system," said a statementissued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.

The statement did not say where the test was conducted.

The successful test of Hatf-7 or Babur cruise missile waswitnessed by Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman GenKhalid Shamim Wynne, who said the launch would "go a long wayin consolidating Pakistan''s strategic deterrence capabilityand further strengthening national security."

"Pakistan''s resolve and commitment to continue itsstrategic programme will remain paramount," he said.

The test was "warmly appreciated by the President andPrime Minister," who congratulated the scientists andengineers on their success, the statement said.

The Director General of the Strategic Plans Division, LtGen (retd) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Army Strategic Force Commandchief Lt Gen Jamil Haider, senior officers from the militaryand strategic organisations, scientists and engineers alsowitnessed the test.

The Babur can carry strategic or conventional warheadsand has stealth capabilities, the statement said.

It is a "low flying, terrain-hugging missile with highmanoeuvrability, pin-point accuracy and radar avoidancefeatures."

The missile also incorporates modern cruise missiletechnology of terrain contour matching (TERCOM) and digitalscene matching and area co-relation (DSMAC), the statementsaid.