Pakistan tests long-range missile

Pakistan’s military said today it had successfully test-launched its longest-range nuclear-capable missile.

Pakistan’s military said today it had successfully test-launched its longest-range nuclear-capable missile.

The military said in a statement that the launch of the Hatf VI missile was the first during a field exercise and demonstrated its operational readiness.

It says the missile has a range of 2,000 kilometres, meaning it could strike deep into India.

Pakistan and India routinely carry out missile tests despite a peace process they launched in early 2004.

The South Asian neighbours, who conducted tit-for-tat nuclear weapons tests in 1998, inform each other of missile tests in advance.

Pakistan and India have fought three wars since gaining independence from Britain in 1947, and came close to a fourth in 2002.