Pakistan tests nuclear-capable missile

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Monday conducted a successful test fire of a short range Surface to Surface Missile Hatf IX (NASR), which can carry nuclear warheads, the military said.

"NASR, with a range of 60 km and inflight maneuver capability, can carry nuclear warheads of appropriate yield, with high accuracy," an army statement said.

The test fire was conducted with successive launches of two missiles from a state of the art multi-tube launcher.

"NASR has been specially designed to defeat all known Anti Tactical Missile Defense Systems," said the statement.

The test was witnessed by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Khalid Shameem Wynne, senior officers from the armed forces and scientists and engineers of strategic organizations, the military said.

Addressing the scientists, engineers and military officers of Strategic Organizations, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee congratulated them on displaying a high standard of proficiency in handling and operating the state of the art weapon system.

He said that Pakistan's Armed Forces was fully capable of safeguarding Pakistan's security against all kinds of aggression.

The successful test has also been appreciated by the Pakistan president and prime minister who have congratulated the scientists and engineers on their outstanding success.