ISLAMABAD, Sept 17: Pakistan test-fired on Monday nuclear capable Hatf-VII (Babur) cruise missile for validation of technical parameters.

Babur missile, which has been tested five times earlier since its first tests in 2005, was now checked for synchronisation with National Command Authority’s fully automated Strategic Command and Control Support System (SCCSS).

The new command and control system, which enables real-time monitoring of missile flight path, was earlier tested in May on Hatf VIII (Raad missile).

“It enables robust command and control capability of all strategic assets with round-the-clock situational awareness in a digitised network centric environment to decision makers at the National Command Centre (NCC),” military spokesman said while explaining the significance of SCCSS.

He further noted that the SCCSS “has added capability of real-time remote monitoring of the missile flight path. The test consolidates and strengthens Pakistan’s deterrence capability and national security”.

Babur with a range of 700km is a low-flying, terrain-hugging missile which can strike land- and sea-based targets with great accuracy.

The missile, which some allege to be a copy of the American Tomahawk missile, possesses stealth features and has been fitted with cruise missile technology of Terrain Contour Matching and Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation.

Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi, who heads the Centre for International Strategic Studies, described the test as another milestone in the country’s fast developing missile technology which had now been integrated with automated command and control system.