Pakistan Conducts 5th Test of Nuclear-capable Missile

The Hatf VII cruise missile.

Pakistan on June 5 tested a fifth nuclear-capable missile since India launched a new long-range weapon capable of hitting China.

The Hatf VII cruise missile has a range of 700 kilometers (440 miles), can carry conventional warheads and has stealth capabilities, the military said.

It described the “low-flying, terrain-hugging missile with high maneuverability” as having “pinpoint accuracy” and “radar avoidance features.”

The June 5 test was Pakistan’s fifth of a nuclear-capable missile since April 25.

On April 20, India successfully test-fired the Agni V capable of delivering a 1-ton nuclear warhead anywhere in rival China. The launch marked a major advance in India’s military capabilities.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947. Each has carried out routine missile tests since both demonstrated nuclear weapons capability in 1998.

Defense analysts said India’s strategic priorities are focusing more on China, while Pakistan is still concerned about its eastern neighbor.

Defense News