Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state, said it successfully tested a cruise missile, with a range of 700 kilometers (434 miles), the army said.
The Hatf-7 missile has “near stealth capabilities and is a low flying, terrain hugging missile with high maneuverability, pin point accuracy and radar avoidance features,'' the army said in a statement on its Web site today. The missile was previously tested in July and March.
Pakistan and India, which have fought three wars since their independence from U.K. rule six decades ago, have each conducted underground nuclear explosions. The South Asian neighbors routinely test missiles of varying ranges and capabilities.
“The missile test is part of a continuous process of validating the design parameters set for this weapon system,'' the army statement said. “The test will consolidate Pakistan's strategic capability and strengthen national security.''
The Himalayan region of Kashmir that's claimed in full by both countries and controlled in part by each is at the heart of the dispute between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan's army did not say if it had informed the Indian government in advance about today's test. The two countries are required under previous agreements to inform each other before conducting such tests.
