Pakistan successfully test-fires short range missile

Pakistan Friday successfully test-fired its short-range surface-to-surface missile Hatf-IX (Nasr), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The test-firing was conducted with successive launches of the missiles from a state-of-art multi-tube launcher with salvo mode, Dawn online reported.

Nasr, with a range of 60 km and in-flight manoeuvre capability, is a quick-response system, with shoot and scoot attributes.

It contributes to the full spectrum deterrence against the prevailing threat spectrum, the ISPR said.

The flight test was witnessed by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen. Rashad Mahmood, Director General Strategic Planning Division Lt Gen. Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Commander Army Strategic Forces Lt. Gen. Obaid Ullah Khan, Chairman NESCOM Muhammad Irfan Burney, senior officers from the strategic forces, scientists and engineers employed with strategic organisations.

Addressing the participants at the launch area, Gen. Mahmood congratulated the scientists and engineers on achieving yet another milestone towards Pakistan's deterrence capability.

He appreciated the professional contribution of all the concerned officials which made possible the successful launch of the weapons system.

He showed full confidence over the strategic command and control system, and the capability of the armed forces to safeguard the security of the country against any aggression.

The successful test launch was also commended by President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.