GLCM Hatf VII Babar: Pakistan successfully test-fires Cruise Missile
Pakistan Times Federal Bureau Report

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan, on Thursday morning, conducted a successful test flight of its first ever Ground Launched Cruise Missile - (GLCM) Hatf VII Babur, designed and developed by an elite team of scientists and engineers of Pakistan's strategic organizations. By the Grace of Allah, all design parameters for the flight were validated.

Babur cruise missile has the capacity to carry nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 500 kilometers with pinpoint accuracy.

It is terrain hugging missile, which has the most advanced and modern navigation and guidance system and a high degree of maneuverability.

The technology enables the missile to avoid radar detection and penetrate undetected through any hostile defensive system, says an ISPR press release.

By conducting the successful test, Pakistan has joined a select group of countries which have the capability to design and develop cruise missiles. Cruise missiles can also be launched from surface ships, submarines and aircraft.

President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have congratulated the scientists and engineers involved in the Babur programme on their outstanding success.

The President said the successful test was a major milestone in Pakistan's quest for strengthening and consolidating Pakistan's strategic capability, which was a cornerstone of our national security.

He said the country's scientists and engineers had once again done the nation proud by mastering a rare technology.

The President reiterated Pakistan's resolve to continue to meet emerging challenges and geo-strategic developments in its neighbourhood. Pakistan's security, he said, was non negotiable.

'India not informed about missile test'

Pakistan did not inform India in advance about the test of first cruise missile ‘Babar’, says a report carried by an English daily of Pakistan on Thursday.

An agreement reached between the two countries over the weekend on pre-notification of missile tests does not cover Cruise Missiles.

"The agreement on pre-notification of ballistic missiles, which has been finalized does not cover pre-notification of Cruise Missile tests,” said Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan.

Pakistan not liable to inform neighboring countries regarding test of cruise missile, he added.

Talking to a private television channel, Maj. Gen Shaukat Sultan said that Pakistan is the first ever country of the region who carried out cruise missile test and now Pakistan has joined the club of countries producing cruise missile.●