The test launch validated the various design and technical parameters of the weapon system, according to Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Development of Ababeel Weapon System is aimed at 'ensuring survivability of Pakistan’s ballistic missiles in the growing regional ballistic missile defence (BMD) environment', ISPR stated.
Pakistan Army's Strategic Forces Command uses the medium-range ballistic missile, which is capable of destroying multiple targets within a maximum range of 2,200km.
This missile employs multiple independent re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology to deliver multiple nuclear warheads.The latest test follows the test firing of Pakistan’s submarine launched cruise missile (SLCM) Babur-3 on 9 January.
During the previous test, Babur-3 was fired from an underwater, mobile platform and hit its target with precise accuracy, the statement said.
The missile with a range of 450km is a sea-based variant of the ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) Babur-2, which was successfully tested in December 2016.
The Babur-3 SLCM employs a variety of technologies, including underwater-controlled propulsion and advanced guidance and navigation.
It also features terrain hugging and sea-skimming flight capabilities to evade hostile radars and air defences.
Image: Ababeel has the capability to engage multiple targets with high precision. Photo: courtesy of ISPR.
