Pakistani Nuclear Missile Ready for Operational Use
Pakistan said on the 21st April that a missile launched for the first time in the context of an exercise was ready for operational use. The missile has been described as being able to strike any part of India.
According to the military, the launch carried out today "validated the operational readiness of a strategic missile group equipped with the Shaheen II missile."
Shaheen II/ Hatf VI Missile
The Shaheen II - known alternatively as the Hatf VI - has undergone a number of previous test-launches.
Pakistan's Army has stated that the Shaheen II has an operational range of 1,200 miles - giving it the longest projection of any of the country's nuclear missile reserve. Such endurance makes it able to potentially target any site in India, in addition to Afghanistan, Iran and other parts of Asia.
In a statement, the military quoted Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir as having offered his congratulations on the "successful launch", as well as the "accuracy of the missile."
Tahir added that the country could look upon the "reliability of its nuclear deterrence" with pride, and that Pakistan would take further steps to build upon its capability in the field of nuclear development.
Nuclear Tests
Pakistan carried out nuclear tests a decade ago - responding to those undertaken by India.
Pakistan and India have been involved in three conflicts since they gained independence from Britain over sixty years ago.
Pakistani/ Indian Relations
Pakistani/Indian relations, however, have become better in recent years, since the two nations initiated discussions over the disputed area of Kashmir.
At the beginning of 2008, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General, Mohammed el Baradei, spoke of his fears that insurgent forces could access and use Pakistan's nuclear weapons reserve.
Shortly afterwards, Pakistan's President Musharraf stated that a "zero per cent chance" existed of al-Qaeda obtaining/ deploying the weapons.
Source - Armed Forces International's Middle East Correspondent
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