Pakistan on Tuesday tested the Ra’ad air-launched cruise missile with the range of 350km, with the military saying the weapon would give it “strategic standoff capability on land and at sea”.
A statement from the military’s media arm described the test as successful. It said the missile is equipped with an advanced guidance and navigation system that “ensures engagement of targets with pinpoint accuracy”.
“The terrain hugging low level flight manoeuvres enable it to avoid detection and engagement by contemporary air defence systems,” the statement added.
The military did not say where the test was conducted.
Lt Gen Mazhar Jamil, the head of the Strategic Plans Division, which manages the country’s nuclear arsenal, described the test as a “major step towards complementing Pakistan’s deterrence capability”.
“Achievement of this milestone will surely enhance strategic stability and contribute to peace in the region,” he said.