PAF tests Taimoor cruise missile

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has successfully conducted the flight test of the indigenously-developed Taimoor Weapon System, marking another significant milestone in the advancement of national aerospace and defence capabilities.

"Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile is capable of engaging enemy land and sea targets with high precision at a range of 600 kilometres, carrying a conventional warhead," said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.

Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and guidance system, Taimoor is designed to fly at very low altitudes, enabling it to effectively evade hostile air and missile defence systems, according to the news release.

"Its precision-strike capability significantly enhances the conventional deterrence and operational flexibility of Pakistan Air Force, further strengthening the country's overall defence posture," it further said.

The successful flight test underscores the technical maturity, innovation and self-reliance achieved by Pakistan's defence industry. The launch was witnessed by senior officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, along with distinguished scientists and engineers, who played a pivotal role in the development of this advanced weapon system.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu congratulated the scientists, engineers and the entire PAF team on this remarkable achievement. He lauded their professional excellence, dedication and unwavering commitment to strengthening Pakistan's defence capabilities.

The air chief reaffirmed that such accomplishments are a testament to the nation's resolve to achieve technological self-sufficiency and maintain a credible conventional deterrent in the evolving regional security environment.

The successful test of the Taimoor weapon system reflects Pakistan Air Force's continued pursuit of operational readiness, technological superiority and national security objectives.

President Asif Zardari paid tribute to the PAF, saying the local production of modern weapons reflected national capability, determination and institutional strength, and arguing that the test had reinforced both Pakistan's defence and its responsible security policy for regional stability.

Calling the achievement a major step towards self-reliance, the president praised the hard work and dedication of scientists, engineers and service personnel, and said the promotion of modern technology in the defence sector underlined Pakistan's commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and security.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the nation and the PAF, paying tribute to the military leadership, including Air Chief Sidhu, and to the teams of scientists and engineers associated with the missile programme.

He said the Taimoor Weapon System would further strengthen the country's defence, adding that the successful test demonstrated technological maturity, innovation and self-reliance in Pakistan's defence industry, while reflecting the Air Force's operational readiness and continuous focus on securing national objectives.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)