Flight test of 'Ra'ad-II' conducted successfully

Pakistan on Tuesday conducted successful flight test of air-launched cruise missile "Ra'ad-II" with a range of 600 kilometres. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the successful test of the cruise missile has further expanded country's deterrence capabilities.

Ra'ad-II "significantly enhances" the military's air-delivered strategic standoff capability on land and at sea, the military media wing stated. The weapon system is equipped with the state-of-the-art guidance and navigation systems ensuring the engagement of targets with high precision, the statement added.

The successful flight test was witnessed by Director General (DG) Strategic Plans Division (SPD) Lieutenant General Nadeem Zaki Manj, NESCOM Chairperson Dr Nabeel Hayat Malik, and other senior officers from the SPD, strategic forces and strategic organisations.

Lieutenant General Manj termed the test a "major step towards complementing Pakistan's deterrence capability". He also lauded the technical prowess, dedication and commitment of scientists and engineers who contributed whole-heartedly to develop the weapon system and made the launch a success.

The statement said the president, the prime minister, the chairman joint chiefs of staff committee and services chiefs congratulated the scientists and engineers on the successful test. Last month, the ISPR had said that Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of surface-to-surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi, capable of delivering multiple types of warheads up to a range of 290 kilometres.