Pakistan Successfully Test Fires 700 km range Cruise Missile Hatf-VII Babur

Pakistan carried out a successful test-firing on Tuesday of its Hatf-7 "Babur" nuclear-capable cruise missile, GEO-TV reported, quoting army sources.

The weapon was fired from a mobile launcher, from an undisclosed location.

Babur is a highly accurate Pakistani-developed cruise missile with a range of 700 km, according to local media. The system employs elements of stealth technology to reduce its radar signature.

The Pakistan armed forces test-fired an air-launched Raad cruise missile at the end of May. Babur and Raad share many main components and technologies.

Pakistan today conducted a successful test fire of the multi tube, indigenously developed Cruise Missile Hatf-VII (Babur) having a range of 700 kms. Babur Cruise Missile is a low flying terrain hugging missile with high maneuverability, pin point accuracy and radar avoidance features.

It can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads and has stealth capabilities. It also incorporates the most modern cruise missile technology of Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC), which enhances its precision and effectiveness manifolds.

The missile was launched from a state of the art multi tube Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV)which significantly enhances the targeting and employment options of Babur Weapon System in both the conventional and nuclear modes.

The test was witnessed by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lieutenant General Khalid Ahmed Kidwai (R), Chairman National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM), Mr. Muhammad Irfan Burney, senior officers from the armed forces and strategic organizations, scientists and engineers. The test will consolidate Pakistan’s strategic deterrence capability, and further strengthen national security.

The successful test has also been warmly appreciated by the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, who has congratulated the scientists and engineers on their outstanding success.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani congratulated the nation on successful test of Hatf 7, Babar Missile. In a message the Prime Minister said that Pakistan is a peaceful country, but would take all steps for its defence. The Government is committed to defend the country, he added. He lauded the skill of Pakistani scientists, engineers and workers on the successful test.


Source: 05 June 2012 - Press agency news (RIA Novosti / Asiantribune.com)

Photo: Pakistan Hatf-7 "Babur" nuclear-capable cruise missile (Photo by expressnews247.blogspot.com)

(5.06.2012)