Pakistan test-fires nuclear-capable stealth missile

Pakistan said today it had successfully test-fired a stealth cruise missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The military said the "Hatf VII" missile had a range of 700 kilometers and was a "low-flying, terrain-hugging missile with high manoeuvrability, pin-point accuracy and radar avoidance features".

Capable of carrying nuclear warheads, the military said the special feature of Friday's launch was the validation of a new multi-tube missile launch vehicle (MLV).

"The three tube MLV enhances manifold [times] the targeting and deployment options in the conventional and nuclear modes," the military said.

India and Pakistan, which have fought three wars - two over the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir - have routinely carried out missile tests since both demonstrated nuclear weapons capability in 1998.

The neighbours were on the brink of a nuclear conflict in 2002 over tensions about Kashmir, but a slow-moving peace process resumed in March following suspension after the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.