Article Posted on : - Mar 09, 2015

A file photo.

ISLAMABAD (BNS): Pakistan on Monday test fired the Shaheen-III intermediate-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads up to a range of 2,750-kms.

"The successful launch with its impact point in the Arabian Sea was witnessed by senior officers from Strategic Plans Division, strategic forces, scientists and engineers of strategic organisations," an official statement released by the ISPR said.

The test launch was aimed at validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system at maximum range, it said.

Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lt. Gen. Zubair Mahmood Hayat, while congratulating the scientists and engineers on the successful launch, termed it as "a major step towards strengthening Pakistan's deterrence capability."

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain also congratulated the scientists and engineers for the feat.

Late last year, Pakistan had successfully tested its Shaheen IA (Hatf IV) and Shaheen II (Hatf VI) ballistic missiles, having ranges of up to 900-kms and 1,500-kms respectively.