PAKISTAN says it has successfully test-fired an intermediate-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile, less than a week after longtime rival India test-fired a similar weapon.
The Pakistan Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) department reported that the military test-fired a Hatf IV (Shaheen 1A) ballistic missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
"Pakistan today successfully conducted the launch of the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile Hatf IV Shaheen-1A Weapon System," the ISPR said in a statement.
"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.
"Lieutenant General Khalid Ahmed Kidwai ... congratulated all scientists and engineers on the successful launch, and the accuracy of the missile in reaching the target. He said that the improved version of Shaheen 1A will further consolidate and strengthen Pakistan's deterrence abilities."
The exact location of the missile launch was not reported, but Geo TV reported it landed in the Indian Ocean.
The exact range of the missile was also not revealed, but retired General Talat Masood, a defence analyst, told AFP it would be able to hit targets up to 2500km to 3000km away - putting arch-rival India well within reach.
India last Thursday successfully tested its first nuclear-capable, long-range missile - a weapon with the potential to deliver a one-tonne warhead as far as China, North Korea and Iran, defence experts said.
The Agni-V, with a range of more than 5000km, was fired from Wheeler Island off the Odisha coast at 8:07am local time, NDTV reported, citing the Defense Research and Development Organisation, which built the missile.
