Pakistan Tests Nuclear-capable Cruise Missile

Barbur missile's range extended to 700 kilometres

Thursday July 26th, 2007

Pakistan test fired its weapon in an undisclosed location. A military statement said it would 'consolidate Pakistan's strategic capability and strengthen national security.' The new range is enough to reach India's capital New Delhi. Under a deal Pakistan negotiated with India in 1999, each country must warn the other of ballistic tests, but not cruise missiles. Relations between the self-declared nuclear powers remain tense. They have fought three wars since being separated at independence in 1947, and are deadlocked over Kashmir. But neither has tested any underground weapons since 1998.

The missile launch comes a day after India's cabinet approved a civilian nuclear deal with the U.S. If approved by the American Congress, India would get unprecedented access to American nuclear fuel and equipment to meet energy needs. Pakistan had wanted a similar arrangement with the U.S. But when Washington hesitated, China stepped in to help build 2 reactors. Still, Pakistan and India serve as staunch American allies. Neither country has signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Watch the missile launch as recorded by Pakistani military cameras.

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