Pak tests Babar cruise missile

Pakistan on Tuesday successfully test-fired Babur cruise missile for the second time in six months, which is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and hit targets within a 500 km range that includes many Indian cities.

Watched by President Pervez Musharraf, the missile was test-fired from an undisclosed location this morning and an official announcement here said all the parameters of the missile were tested successfully. "All phases of the planned trajectory were extremely successful and the missile impacted with pinpoint accuracy," the Army's Inter-Services Public Relations said.

"Babur cruise missile, which was tested in the ground launched version, will also be capable of being placed in submarines and on surface ships," the statement said.

"The missile, which has near stealth capabilities, is a low flying, terrain hugging missile with high maneuverability, pin point accuracy and radar avoidance features. With a range of 500 km, it can carry all types of warheads," it said.

The missile was reportedly launched from a land based transporter erector launcher.

Pakistan has not informed India about its plans to test-fire Babur as the agreement over prior notification of missile tests between the two counties includes only ballistic missiles and not cruise missile.