Pakistan tests nuclear-capable cruise missile

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan successfully tested a nuclear-capable cruise missile with a range of 700 km on Tuesday, the military said.    

The Hatf-VII (Babur) missile is a multi-tube, indigenously developed cruise missile and can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads and has stealth capabilities, a military statement said.

Babur Cruise Missile is a low flying, terrain hugging missile with high maneuverability, pinpoint accuracy and radar avoidance features, a statement from the army's Inter-Services Public Relations said.

The missile also incorporates the most modern cruise missile technology of Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC), which enhances its precision and effectiveness manifolds.

The missile was launched from a state-of-the-art multi-tube Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV) which significantly enhances the targeting and employment options of Babur Weapon System in both the conventional and nuclear modes, the statement said.  

The test was witnessed by Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Khalid Shameem Wynne and senior officers from the armed forces and strategic organizations, as well as scientists and engineers.

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

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani have congratulated the scientists and engineers on the successful test and on their outstanding success.

Babur is named after the first Mughal Emperor Zahir ud-Din Babur.