Pak tests N-capable Shaheen-III missile

Afzal Khan in Islamabad

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Pakistan on Friday successfully test-fired the medium-range Shaheen-III surface-to-surface ballistic missile which can carry nuclear warheads up to 2,750 km bringing many Indian cities within its range.

The test flight of the missile was aimed at validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system, according to a statement from the military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The impact point of the missile test was in the Arabian Sea, validating all desired parameters, the statement said.

The test was witnessed by senior officers from Strategic Plans Division, Strategic Forces, Scientists and Engineers of Strategic Organisation.  Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lieutenant General Mazhar Jamil, said the country had achieved a “significant milestone” in complementing the deterrence capability. 

Shaheen-I is also capable of carrying nuclear as well as conventional warheads and has a range of 900 kms while the Shaheen-II missile can also carry nuclear and conventional warheads up to a range of 1,500 km.