Article Posted on : - May 12, 2015

The FM-90 surface-to-air missile system. Image credit: http://www.cccme.org.cn/

ISLAMABAD (BNS): Pakistan has inducted the Chinese-made FM-90 short-range air defence missile system in its Army to counter aerial targets including cruise missiles.

The Army conducted a test firing of the surface-to-air missile system on Monday, an official press statement from ISPR said, adding that the exercise marked the culmination of the induction training of the new system.

"All weather, surface-to-air missile FM-90, with a capability to engage aerial target including cruise missiles, drones and air-to-surface guided missiles can operate under adverse electronic counter measures (ECM) environments.

"FM-90 missile system has the ability to engage multiple types of target at one time. The system enhances Pakistan's air defence capability both in range and accuracy," the statement said.

The weapon, also designated as HQ-7B, is produced by China's National Precision Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CPMIEC).

Pakistani Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif, who witnessed Monday's test launch, appreciated the training standards achieved. He also emphasised the importance of air defence in today's warfare and the need for continuous upgradation of equipment, as well as training to defeat a wide threat spectrum, the ISPR statement said.