MOSCOW, September 26 (RIA Novosti) - Pakistan has successfully tested the Hatf IX (NASR) short range surface-to-surface missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads, Pakistani Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) service announced Friday.
"The test fire was conducted with successive launches of 4 x Missiles from a state of the art Multi Tube Launcher with Salvo Mode. NASR, with a range of 60 km [37 miles] and in-flight maneuver capability is a quick response system, with shoot and scoot attributes. It contributes to the full spectrum deterrence against the prevailing threat spectrum," ISPR stated in a press release published on its official website.
The tests were perceived as "yet another milestone towards Pakistan's deterrence capability," according to the press release.
The test launch was hailed by the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain and the country's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. They congratulated everyone who had participated in the launch, including military and scientists, on the successful test.
Pakistan became a declared nuclear power in 1998 after an underground nuclear test that followed those made by India. Pakistan and India have been competing in nuclear missile testing for more than 20 years.
