On September 17 this year, Pakistan successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable Hatf-VII Babur cruise missile with a range of 700km. This is a low flying, terrain hugging weapon that is highly manoeuvrable, can hit targets with pin-point accuracy and has radar avoidance features. The missile has the capability to hit targets deep inside Indian territory. A Pakistani military statement said that the indigenously developed cruise missile with stealth capabilities was capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional warheads. The missile was launched from a state-of-the-art multi-tube Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV), which significantly enhances the targeting and deployment options of the weapon system. The missile is the latest in a series of nuclear capable missiles launched by Pakistan.
Equipped with modern cruise missile technology of Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC), it can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads. The fully automated Strategic Command and Control Support System of the National Command Authority, controlling Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, had been deployed during the test that was conducted at an unspecified location. The system’s capability included real time remote monitoring of a missile’s flight path.
