Global Security Newswire

A trial launch of a Pakistani nuclear-capable cruise missile on Friday met military expectations, Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported (see GSN, April 21).

The Pakistani armed forces' Strategic Missile Group carried out the firing of the Hatf 8 short-range system -- also called the Ra'ad -- at an unspecified location.

Military spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said the tested missile type can carry nuclear and non-nuclear payloads as far as 217 miles, has stealth enhancements, flies close to the ground, has precision targeting capabilities and can shift its flight path.

The Hatf 8 missile was designed to be fired from air-based systems, Abbas said. The weapon enhances Pakistan's nuclear options, he said.

Pakistan and neighboring rival India both regularly conduct tests of their nuclear-capable missiles. Islamabad last week launched its Hatf 9 short-range ballistic missile in a trial (Deutsche Presse-Agentur/MonstersandCritics, April 29).