ISLAMABAD, Dec 11: Pakistan on Tuesday successfully test-fired an indigenously-developed cruise missile with a range of 700 kilometres.

The test of Hatf-VII (Babur) was part of a continuous process to validate design parameters set for weapons’ system, an ISPR press release said.

“The Babur, which has near-stealth capabilities, is a low-flying, terrain-hugging missile with high manoeuvrability, pinpoint accuracy and radar avoidance features,” the press release said.

It said the test, witnessed by senior military officers, scientists and engineers of the strategic organisations, would help consolidate the country’s strategic capability and strengthen national security.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Tariq Majid, who was the chief guest on the occasion, congratulated scientists and engineers on their success.

Referring to recent threats to nuclear assets of the country, he assured the nation that “we remain alert to such threats and are fully capable of handling these. Pakistan’s nuclear assets are very safe and secure and the nation needs not to worry on that account. There is a very strong security system in place, which can ward off all threats, internal as well as external.

“Though no responsible state in the world can contemplate such an impossible operation, if someone does create such a scenario, I am confident Pakistan will meet the challenge strongly.”

President Pervez Musharraf and Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro congratulated scientists and engineers on this important success, and assured them of their complete support in the development plans of all strategic projects.—Our Reporter