Pakistan tests nuclear-capable missile with range of 900km

Pakistan on Tuesday tested the nuclear-capable Shaheen-IA ballistic missile with a range of 900 km, capable of striking targets deep within India.

Pakistan on Tuesday tested the nuclear-capable Shaheen-IA ballistic missile with a range of 900 km, capable of striking targets deep within India.

This was Pakistan’s second test of a nuclear-capable missile in four days. A statement from the Pakistani military’s media arm described Tuesday’s launch as successful but did not say where the test was conducted.

The test of the Shaheen-IA was aimed at “re-validating several design and technical parameters of the weapon system”, the statement said.

The impact point of the test was in the Arabian Sea and the launch was witnessed by officers from the Strategic Plans Division, strategic forces, scientists and engineers.

Lt Gen Mazhar Jamil, the head of the Strategic Plans Division that manages the country’s nuclear arsenal, said the test was “another display of strengthening Pakistan’s defence”. He added: “Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are based on credible minimum deterrence and desire for peaceful co-existence in the region.”

On December 11, Pakistan tested the Shaheen-III surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 2,750km. The military said that test was aimed at “validating various design and technical parameters”.

Pakistan has developed a range of nuclear-capable missiles, most of them with help from China, that are India-centric. Experts believe Pakistan has one of the fastest growing nuclear arsenals.