Pakistan Test Fires Nuke-Capable Cruise Missile
By SADAQAT JAN
Associated Press Writer (AP)
August 11, 2005, 12:52 AM EDT
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Pakistan on Thursday test fired its first cruise missile, a weapon that can carry nuclear and conventional warheads, a test it conducted without notifying archrival India, officials said.
The missile, named Babur, has a range of 310 miles. The launch site was not disclosed.
The Foreign Ministry said Pakistan did not inform India, as an agreement formalized between the two countries over the weekend on pre-notification of missile tests does not cover cruise missiles.
There was no immediate reaction from India.
Cruise missiles are typically low-flying guided missiles that use jet propulsion to allow sustained flight.
The military statement said the Babur missile flies parallel to the surface of the ground, can hit its target with "pinpoint accuracy" and can be fired from war ships, submarines and fighter jets.
"The technology enables the missile to avoid radar detection and penetrate undetected through any hostile defensive system," it said.
Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan said Pakistan has joined the few countries "that can design and make cruise missiles."
The missile test agreement is part of confidence-building in a peace process between the South Asian rivals, which have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947. They also agreed at the weekend to set up a hot line next month to help prevent accidental nuclear conflict.
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