The Pakistan army’s Strategic Force Command formally received its first batch of 1,500 kilometer-range Ghauri nuclear-capable ballistic missiles yesterday (see GSN, Jan. 8).

“It is the first time a nuclear-capable ballistic missile has been inducted into the army,” said political observer Mohamed Afzal Niazi (Agence France-Presse, Jan. 9).

The number of Ghauri missiles, also known as Hatf 5s, delivered to the army was not reported, according to BBC News.  It is believed, however, that serial production of the missile has begun (BBC News, Jan. 8). 

In his capacity as army chief, Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf attended the missile delivery ceremony yesterday at nuclear research plant outside the capital of Islamabad, according to Agence France-Presse.  The missile, painted in gray and khaki camouflage markings, was mounted on a truck and driven past Musharraf and other top Pakistani military officials, according to military-issued photographs.

Musharraf said it was “a proud day for him to be accepting the Ghauri system,” Pakistani military spokesman Maj. Gen. Rashid Qureshi quoted him as saying.  The missile’s induction into the army “would radiate the necessary effects of deterrence,” Musharraf said (Agence France-Presse). 

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