Print

Mail

wiki links

Pakistan test-launches nuclear-capable missile

Pakistan successfully test-fired the newest version of its short-range nuclear-capable missile yesterday, a military statement said.

The ballistic missile Hatf III (Ghazanvi) -- launched from an undisclosed location -- has a range of 290km and hit its target, the statement said.

Pakistan routinely test-fires upgraded versions of its missiles.

The latest, the third in as many weeks, was part of training exercises by the Pakistan army's Strategic Force Command, the statement said.

The army tested medium range Ghauri and Shaheen-1 missiles last month.

Pakistan is a key ally of the US in its attempts to combat international terrorism.

The test came only a day after the US House of Representatives approved legislation that would allow US shipments of nuclear fuel for civilian purposes to Pakistan's neighboring, nuclear-armed rival, India.

Critics says the nuclear deal between Washington and New Delhi could trigger an arms race in South Asia.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment on the approval of the India deal.

Saturday's missile test was witnessed by Pakistan's air force chief, Air Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed.

The missile launch "came at the culmination phase of the training exercise, which validated the operational readiness of the Strategic Missile Group [SMG] equipped with Ghaznavi Missiles," the statement said.

It quoted Ahmed as saying that Pakistan should be proud of its defenses and nuclear deterrence.

Also see story:
House passes India nuclear fuel deal

This story has been viewed 1321 times.