After Agni-V;it's Pakistan's turn to test long-range missile

Islamabad, Apr 24: After India is on a moral high with the successful test firing of the Inter Continental Ballistic Missile Agni-V, neighbouring Pakistan is following suit by testing its very own missile. Pakistan has informed India that it will be conducting a 'long-range missile test in the Indian Ocean' anytime from Apr 24 to 29 (from 8.30 to 11 am IST).

The Pakistani side has also asked Indian civil aviation authorities to warn airline companies and pilots to not venture out in the area. They have asked to issue a NOTAM (notice to airmen) to warn commercial airlines and pilots to not fly over the prescribed area. [Read More: After India, Pakistan test fires Nuclear-Capable Missile]

Sources have been quoted as saying that the flights heading to Gulf countries from India will have to be rescheduled or rerouted in the specific time-period as a safety measure.

Pakistan communicated the matter to Indian authorities on Monday evening and has requested India to issue the NOTAM and sought the NOTAM number so that it can be passed over to the Pakistan civil aviation authority as soon as possible.

Pakistan stated that Oman and Yemen had already issued NOTAMs ahead of its missile testing. The sources commented that Pakistan usually conducts its missile tests over the Indian Ocean in the southern direction which makes it necessary for flights from India to the Gulf and Africa to be rescheduled or rerouted.

Sources said, "The communications from Pakistan always come in the last minute, mostly just a day in advance. Airlines have to be informed immediately."

Pakistan has been developing its ‘Shaheen’ long-range missiles that hope to cover a range of 4,000-4,500 kms. Their missile arsenal has always been India-specific and with the latest long-range missiles they want to raise their capability.

OneIndia News