The Pakistan Armed Forces has announced the successful test launch of its Shaheen-II surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
The test, which took place on Tuesday, was witnessed by senior officials from the country’s Army Strategic Forces Command and Strategic Plans Division.
According to an official statement, the initiative aimed to validate the technical features and overall performance of the Shaheen-II.
It was also meant to train Pakistan Army units in operating the new weapon with high accuracy and efficiency.
The Pakistan Armed Forces did not disclose the results of the test.
However, it described the event as a “landmark achievement,” which received praise from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
‘Nuclear-Capable’
The Shaheen-II is an indigenous ballistic missile capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads.
It is reportedly designed for medium-range strikes of up to 1,500 kilometers (932 miles), far enough to cover significant portions of the region.
Powered by a solid fuel engine, the weapon boasts enhanced accuracy and survivability against hostile threats.
The test launch is expected to bolster Islamabad’s strategic deterrent capabilities amid tensions with India.
The Shaheen-II has a more advanced version, the Shaheen-III, which can reach targets more than 2,750 kilometers (1,708 miles) away.
Earlier this year, the Pakistan Army also carried out a successful test of its new, domestically-made Fatah-II guided rocket system designed to strike deep into enemy territory.