Shaheen II to be test fired in 48 hours

[nausherwan]

Jung is reporting that Shaheen II is ready for testing. Scroll down to read the 5th news

http://www.jang.com.pk/jang/mar2004-...opst/main1.htm

[Usman S.]

Pakistan hints at test firing surface to surface Shaheen

(Updated at 2000 PST)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Monday hinted at test firing its long range surface to surface Shaheen, missile shortly.

Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan told the weekly news briefing here that Pakistan has already informed India and other key countries about the test.

Pakistan and India have a Memorandum of Understanding to inform each other of such tests. He said the strategic force goals are guided by the doctrine of minimum deterrance and that is why these tests are conducted from time to time. He said the
objective of such tests was to confirm the reach and ensure that the delivery system remains flexible.

"Expect the test shortly," he said when asked about the date and time of the test.

www.jang.com.pk/thenews/index.html

[H Khan]

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan will soon test for the first time a new nuclear-capable missile, the Shaheen II, which could reach all of India's cities, a government spokesman said Monday.

"You should expect this flight test anytime, shortly," Foreign Ministry spokesman Masood Khan told reporters.

Pakistan has said the missile has a range of over 1,200 miles, although one Pakistani newspaper has reported its range could be as high as 1,900 miles.

The new missile exceeds the 930-mile reach of the Ghauri, previously Pakistan's longest-range missile which some say was developed with North Korean help.

Pakistan says its weapons program is a response to that of nuclear-armed rival India, with which it has fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947.

Khan said India and Pakistan, whose ties have been warming recently, had a policy of informing each other ahead of a missile test.

The planned test of the Shaheen II comes amid intense scrutiny of Pakistan's nuclear program after revelations its scientists sold nuclear secrets to Iran, North Korea and Libya. "Our strategic force goals are guided by the concept of minimum credible deterrence, and that's why we have to test these missiles from time to time," Khan said.

The aim of the test would be to ensure its missile reach was sufficient to deter aggression and "prevent military coercion," Khan said.

India concluded a deal last week to buy an Israeli Phalcon airborne radar system, which Pakistan has complained will threaten its security and require steps to keep a balance between the two countries.

The Phalcon system can detect aircraft hundreds of miles away, can intercept radio transmissions, and put large parts of Pakistan under Indian surveillance, including disputed Kashmir, which has been the trigger for two of the rivals' three wars.

But the arms disagreements have not stopped a thawing in relations that has led to a reopening of air, bus and rail links. The two countries are due to start peace talks in May or June on all issues in dispute, including Kashmir.

03/08/04 10:01 ET

[Muhammad Hasan]

The intresting part of the test would be the range of the system. Different news have claimed different ranges from 2000 Km to as much as 2700 Km...LETS SEE...

[AkramIshaqKhan]

Test happend a short while ago!!!!!

Yipee
JK.

[SyedA]

Pakistan tests nuclear-capable Shaheen II missile: ISLAMABAD, March 09: Pakistan test-fired today an intermediate-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile, which could reach all the cities in neighbouring India. State-owned Pakistan Television announced that the missile could travel 2,000 km (1,250 miles) and carry all kinds of warheads. (Reuters) (Posted @ 11:40 PST)