Pakistan successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable intermediate range ballistic missile on Wednesday, the military said, less than a week after India test launched a long-range missile.
The exact range of the missile was not revealed, but Lt Gen (retd) Talat Masood, a defence analyst, told AFP intermediate range ballistic missiles could travel up to 2,500 to 3,000 kilometres — which would put almost all of arch-rival India within reach.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan successfully conducted the launch of the intermediate Range Ballistic Missile Hatf IV Shaheen-1A Weapon System.
“The missile is an improved version of Shaheen-1 with improvements in range and technical parameters. It is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads,” read the military’s statement.
The missile’s launch, whose impact point was at sea, was witnessed by Strategic Plans Division Director General Lt Gen Khalid Ahmed Kidwai who revealed that the improved version of Shaheen 1A “will further consolidate and strengthen Pakistan’s deterrence abilities”.
On Thursday India test-fired its long-range Agni V missile, which can deliver a one-tonne nuclear warhead anywhere in China.
Pakistan’s most recent missile test came last month with the launch of the short-range nuclear-capable Abdali, while in April 2008 it tested the Shaheen II, or Hatf VI, missile with a range of 2,000 km.
“This is part of Pakistan’s programme to develop nuclear and missile deterrence. It has a series of missiles in its inventory. This is perhaps the longest range missile in its programme,” Masood told AFP.
“The whole object is essentially India-centric while India’s own programme is directed towards China. Pakistan is engaged in improving its missile system as India continues to increase its capability.”
(WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)
Published in The Express Tribune, April 26th, 2012.
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India equips itself because China invaded Kashmir and took away Aksai Chin. China invaded Arunachal Pradesh in 1962 and then , mercifully retreated. China does not accept the McMohan line border between India and China. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as it's own. Chinese leaders have believed that power flows through the barrel of a gun. India was occupied by Mughals for 800 years and English for 200 years. That is why India develops missiles. Pakistani reaction is out of context.
For how long; both the nations will be suffering through this clue less competition and loss...? Time is running short for both ; India and Pakistan., Because world is competing each other through their Economies and Trade.
Great news, it would bring peace to the country and control terrorism. The masses are used to living without food, healthcare, clean water, electricity and other basic needs. It is great to see our resources being well spent. The big bad West should take care of Polio, Dengue, clean water and other basic humanitarian problems that have plagued our country. Let us keep up with the richest nations of the world. Not only do we have hundreds of nuclear weapons we now have more missiles than the UK! Who cares if we have a high % of population in abject poverty, we have been putting our most resources on being a big power.