Pakistan on Tuesday tested a fifth nuclear-capable missile since India launched a new long-range weapon capable of hitting China just over six weeks ago. The Hatf VII cruise missile has a range of 700 kilometres (440 miles) and can carry conventional warheads and has stealth capabilities, the military said. It described the “low flying, terrain hugging missile with high maneuverability” as having “pinpoint accuracy” and “radar avoidance features”. Tuesday’s test was the country’s fifth of a nuclear-capable missile since April 25.
On April 20, India successfully test fired the Agni V capable of delivering a one-tonne nuclear warhead anywhere in rival China, marking a major advance in its military capabilities. Defence analysts say India’s strategic priorities are focusing more on China, while Pakistan is still concerned about its eastern neighbour. According to the ISPR, Babur Cruise Missile is a low flying, terrain hugging missile with high maneuverability, pin point accuracy and radar avoidance features. It can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads and has stealth capabilities. It 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 test was witnessed by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lieutenant General (r) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM) Chairman Muhammad Irfan Burney, senior officers from the armed forces and strategic organizations, scientists and engineers. The successful test has been warmly welcomed by the president and prime minister.
