Pakistan Tests Nuclear Capable Shaheen-II Ballistic Missile

Pakistan armed forces on Thursday conducted a test launch of Shaheen-II, a surface-to-surface ballistic missile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

"The training launch was aimed at ensuring operational readiness of Army Strategic Forces Command. The Shaheen-II missile is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads up to a range of 1,500 kilometres," the ISPR said. The launch had its impact point in the Arabian Sea.

The army's media wing described Shaheen-II as a "highly capable missile which fully meets Pakistan's strategic needs towards maintenance of desired deterrence stability in the region."

The test launch came on a day when India tested an air-launched supersonic cruise missile, Brahmos aimed at a land target.