ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday conducted a training launch of nuclear capable, intermediate-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile Shaheen-II.

The training launch was aimed at ensuring operational readiness of Army Strategic Forces Command. Shaheen-II missile can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads up to a range of 1,500 kilometres, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“Shaheen-II is a highly capable missile which fully meets Pakistan’s strategic needs towards maintenance of desired deterrence stability in the region,” the ISPR statement further said.

The surface-to-surface missile has a range of 1,500km

The missile is a solid-propellant, two-stage ballistic missile. It was first flight tested in March, 2004, with a range of 2000km. In November, 2014 a test-launch with a different design of Shaheen-II was conducted with a range of 1500km. The missile is claimed to be able to achieve ‘surgical precision’.

It is an operational weapon system in service with Army Strategic Force Command.

Thursday’s training launch, having its impact point in the Arabian Sea, was witnessed by the director general Stra­tegic Plans Division, commander of Army Strategic Forces Command, chai­r­­man of NESCOM, senior officers from the Army Strategic Forces Com­mand and scientists and engineers of the strategic organisation, the ISPR said.

The JCSC chairman and services chiefs congratulated scientists and engineers on conduct of the successful training launch.

President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have also conveyed their felicitation on the achievement, according to the ISPR.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2019