Pakistan tests short-range surface-to-surface missile

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  • ISPR calls NASR a high precision weapon system

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa witnessed training launch of short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) here on Wednesday.

Pakistan has successfully undertaken a series of training launches and tests/trials during the current week for validation of new technical parameters of the NASR missile with enhanced range from 60kms to 70kms and flight maneuverability, the statement said.

“This weapon system will augment credible deterrence against prevailing threat spectrum more effectively, including anti-missile defences. NASR is a high precision weapon system with the ability of quick deployments,” according to the ISPR statement.

General Bajwa appreciated the standard of training and operational preparedness of the army’s strategic force and congratulated the scientists and engineers on achieving this significant milestone towards Pakistan’s credible deterrence capability.

He expressed his complete confidence in effective command, control, safety and security of all strategic assets and measures being taken to augment these. “You are our real heroes, the unseen, we owe you our gratitude,” he remarked.

“NASR has put cold water on cold start,” he said, adding that war must be avoided at all costs. “Our strategic capability is a guarantee of peace against a highly militarised and increasingly belligerent neighbour. Pakistan will go to any length to ensure regional peace and stability,” he said.

“We wholeheartedly support all government efforts at peace through dialogue. Our capability is only meant to ensure, no one thinks war remains an option,” General Bajwa said. Strategic Plans Division Director General Lieutenant General Mazhar Jamil, Commander of Army Strategic Force Command Lieutenant General Mian Muhammad Hilal Hussain, NESCOM Chairman Dr Nabeel Hayat Malik, scientists and engineers of strategic organisations also witnessed the launch.

In their separate statements, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while conveying their appreciation have lauded the efforts of all those involved in the missile tests and trials. The JCSC chairman, Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval Staff also congratulated the strategic forces on the achievement.