Pakistan successfully test fires Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile Hatf IV

RAWALPINDI : Pakistan on Saturday successfully test fired its long range Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile Hatf VI (Shaheen II), said an ISPR press release issued here. The missile test was conducted as part of process of validation and technical improvements to consolidate and verify various land based strategic missile systems.
It may be recalled that Hatf VI (Shaheen II) is Pakistan’s longest range ballistic missile system with a range of 2000 Kms. It is a two stage fuel missile which can carry nuclear and conventional warheads with high accuracy.
The test was witnessed by Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, who congratulated the scientists and engineers of Strategic Organizations on achieving an important milestone in Pakistan’s quest for sustaining strategic balance in South Asia.
Speaking after the successful test, the Prime Minister made it clear that Pakistan’s strategy of credible minimum deterrence is fully in place and is a guarantee of peace in the region.
He assured that the defence needs of the country will remain a high priority with the elected government. He further added that the strategic programme which enjoys complete national consensus will continue to be consolidated and further strengthened in line with the needs of national security.
The test was also witnessed by the Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Tariq Majid, besides senior military officers and scientists.
In an exclusive message, the President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf has also congratulated the Strategic Organizations on this outstanding success.