Pakistan tests nuclear-capable Hatf-7 cruise missile

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today tested nuclear- capable Hatf-7 cruise missile having a range of 700 km that can hit targets in India, saying the launch was aimed at consolidating the country's strategic deterrence capability and strengthening national security.

The test of the "multi-tube indigenously developed" missile, which has stealth capabilities, was successful, the military said in a statement.

The missile with a range of 700 km can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads.

"The test will consolidate Pakistan's strategic deterrence capability and further strengthen national security," the statement said.

The test was aimed at validating the "design parameters of the weapon system."

The military said a "special feature" of the launch was the validation of a "new multi-tube missile launch vehicle".

The vehicle with three missile tubes "enhances manifold the targeting and deployment options in the conventional and nuclear modes".

"With its shoot-and-scoot capability, the missile launch vehicle provides a major force multiplier effect for target employment and survivability," the statement said.

The Hatf-7 or Babur is a "low flying, terrain hugging missile with high manoeuvrability, pinpoint accuracy and radar avoidance features".

The missile system incorporates the "most modern cruise missile technology of Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC)", the statement said.

The test was witnessed by Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen Khalid Shahmeem Wynne, Strategic Plans Division Director General Lt Gen (Retd) Khalid Kidwai, Strategic Force Command chief Lt Gen Tariq Nadeem Gilani and senior officers from the armed forces and strategic organisations.

The test was "warmly appreciated" by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who congratulated scientists and engineers involved in the launch.