Thursday, August 11 2005 11:38 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Pakistan today (Aug 11, 2005) test-fired its first ever ground-launched nuclear capable Cruise Missile Hatf VII Babur, which could reach targets up to 500 kms.

The military said that with the "successful test, Pakistan has joined a select group of countries which have the capability to design and develop cruise missile".

The 'terrain-hugging missile' has the most advanced and modern navigation and guidance system and a high degree of maneuverability, a defence statement said which did not mention the time or the location of the test.

The missile is believed to be a match for India's Brahmos missile, which has been developed in cooperation with Russia.

Pakistan did not inform India about the test, as an agreement reached between the two countries over the weekend on pre-notification of missile tests does not cover cruise missiles.

"The agreement on pre-notification of ballistic missiles, which has been finalized but not yet signed in New Delhi, does not cover pre-notification of cruise missile tests," a Foreign Ministry Spokesman was quoted as saying in the media.