Pak test fires Hatf-9 n-capable missile

Pakistan on Tuesday conducted the first test of a newly developed short-range surface-to-surface missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead,and the military said the launch was aimed at boosting the deterrence value of the countrys strategic weapons programme.

The Hatf-9 or Nasr missile,with a range of 60 km,can carry nuclear warheads of appropriate yield with high accuracy and has shoot and scoot attributes,the military said in a statement. The multi-tube ballistic missile system was developed to add deterrence value to Pakistans strategic weapons development programme at shorter ranges, it said. The missile test,conducted at an undisclosed location,was successful,it said.