Pakistan test-fires short range missile Hatf IX

Pakistan on Friday successfully test-fired short range surface-to-surface missile 'Hatf IX' that has a range of 60 kilometres.The test of the missile also called Nasr was conducted with successive launches of four missiles from a state-of-the-art Multi Tube Launcher with Salvo Mode, the military said. Hatf with in-flight manoeuvre capability is a quick response system, with shoot and scoot attributes. It contributes to the full spectrum deterrence against the prevailing threat spectrum.

Addressing the participants at the launch area, chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Rashad Mahmood, congratulated the scientists and engineers on achieving yet another milestone towards Pakistan's deterrence capability. He appreciated the professional attributes of all concerned which made possible the successful launch of the weapon system. Mahmood showed his full confidence over the Strategic Command and Control System and the capability of Pakistan's armed forces to safeguard the security of the country. The successful test launch was also warmly appreciated by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The flight test was witnessed by the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, director general Strategic Plans Division, Lieutenant General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, commander Army Strategic Forces Command, Lieutenant General Obaid Ullah Khan and others.