Pakistan test-fires nuclear missile HATF-2

ISLAMABAD: Months after test firing the first ground-launched cruise missile Babar, Pakistan on Sunday successfully carried out test of a short range surface-to-surface nuclear-capable  HATF-2 (Abdali) missile.

The short-range missile, which can hit its targets accurately up to 200 kms, has been indigenously developed and can carry  nuclear and other types of warheads, a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz were also present at the site udring the test-fire and congratulated Pakistani scientists on the successful test fire.

“Our scientists have once again proved their capabilities in ensuring country’s strong defence,” Musharraf said.

The statement said a prior notification was given to all neighbouring countries including India.

In a leap forward in missile technology arena, Pakistan had successfully test-fired its first ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) Babar last August, capable of carrying any types of warheads accurately up to 550 km.

Designation: HATF-2
Range: 280 km
Length: 9.75 m
Width: 0.82 m
Payload: 500 kg
Weight: 5,500 kg
Guidance: Inertial
Propulsion: Solid

Other missiles

March 2005: Pakistan successfully test-fired surface-to-surface long range HATF-6 (Shaheen-II) missile

Dec 2004: Successful test of surface-to-surface HATF-4 (Shaheen-1) ballistic missile

Nov 2004: Conducted test-fire of HATF-3 short range Ghaznavi missile

Oct 2004:  Conducted test- fire of HATF-5 (Ghauri) missile

April 1998: Pakistan has been test-firing different versions of short- and medium-range delivery systems since April 1998

With inputs from Agencies