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Pakistan tests nuclear-capable missile

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, April 25 (UPI) -- Pakistan tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead Wednesday, the country's military said in a statement.

The test launch came less than a week after regional rival India test-fired a long-range, nuclear-capable missile.

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Pakistani military and defense analysts said their test wasn't in response to India's firing, The New York Times reported.

Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, head of Pakistan's Strategic Plans Division, said the improved version of the missile would "further strengthen and consolidate Pakistan's deterrence capabilities."

The impact point for the improved missile, with a possible range of 466 to 620 miles, was in the Indian Ocean, the Times said.

The test was witnessed by senior military authorities, scientists and engineers who work on the country's missile program, Pakistani officials said.

Mansoor Ahmed, a defense analyst in Islamabad, said Wednesday's launch indicated "Pakistan's resolve and capability to modernize its nuclear delivery systems. Pakistan is only concerned with maintaining a minimum credible deterrent capability vis-a-vis India and does not harbor regional or global ambitions."

India said last week it successfully conducted a maiden test flight of its longest-range, nuclear-capable missile, which apparently is capable of traveling more than 3,100 miles, CNN reported.

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