ISLAMABAD, March 21: Pakistan on Tuesday successfully test-fired a cruise missile which can carry a nuclear warhead and hit targets within a range of 500 kilometres. “All phases of the planned trajectory were extremely successful and the missile impacted with pinpoint accuracy,” a military statement said.

This is the second test-fire of the indigenously developed Hatf VII (Babur) which can carry all types of warheads. The first test was carried out in August 2005.

Although Hatf VII is capable of being placed in submarines and on surface ships, only the ground launched version of the cruise missile has been tested so far. Hatf VII, which has near stealth capabilities, is a low flying, terrain hugging missile with high manoeuvrability, pinpoint accuracy and radar avoidance features.

President Pervez Musharraf witnessed the test and said that the nation was proud of its scientists and engineers, who had once again demonstrated their ability to master rare technologies with ease and professionalism.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz also congratulated Pakistani scientists, engineers and technicians on the successful test-firing of Hatf VII (Babur) cruise missile.

He said the nation was proud of the achievement and values the efforts of scientists in making the country’s defence impregnable.