Pakistan Army successfully conducted a test launch of an enhanced range version of the indigenously developed Babur Cruise Missile 1B. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the news in a statement released earlier.
According to ISPR, Director General of Strategic Plans Division (SPD) Lieutenant General Nadeem Zaki Manj witnessed the launch. They congratulated the scientists and engineers on achieving excellence in the domain of cruise missile technology.
Additionally, President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza, and services chiefs also congratulated the scientists and engineers on conducting the successful launch.
As per reports, the missile is capable of penetrating layered air defence networks to strike high-value targets. It also has a range of 900km. Interestingly, Babur is the first cruise missile designed and developed by Pakistan. Reports state that Pakistan developed the Babur in response to India acquiring Patriot missiles from the US to counter Pakistan’s ballistic missiles.
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Pictures and videos of Babur’s test launch are making the rounds on social media with Pakistani netizens congratulating Pakistan Army for the achievement.
Pakistan today conducted a successful test of an enhanced range version of the indigenously developed #Babur Cruise Missile 1B. pic.twitter.com/O0JaiknHiZ
— Malik Ali Raza (@MalikAliiRaza) December 21, 2021
#Pakistan today conducted a successful test of an enhanced range version of the indigenously developed #Babur Cruise Missile 1B. Today’s launch was witnessed by Lt General Nadeem Zaki Manj, DG Strategic Plans Division…@OfficialDGISPR #PakistanArmy #ISPR
1/4 pic.twitter.com/dU5OeH8NfQ— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) December 21, 2021
Ghaznavi’s successful launch
Important to note, Pakistan often conducts test launches of its missiles. Since missiles make up a crucial part of the country’s defense system, it is important to conduct routine tests.
Similarly, in August, Pakistan successfully conducted the training launch of the ‘Ghaznavi’ — a surface-to-surface ballistic missile. To clarify, missile Ghaznavi is capable of delivering multiple types of warheads up to a range of 290 kilometers. The missile also has a proper terminal guidance system.
Prior to this, in March, Pakistan conducted the successful flight test of the Shaheen-1A surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
Moreover, in February this year, ASFC conducted another successful launch of the Ghaznavi missile. ASFC launched the missile as part of its Annual Field Training Exercise.
Commander Army Strategic Forces Command appreciated the operational preparedness and display of excellent standards in handling and operating the weapon system. Furthermore, he expressed full satisfaction with the training standards of participating troops, attained throughout the training activity.
Read more: Successful training launch of ballistic missile Ghaznavi conducted by Pak Army