Pakistan test-fires cruise missile

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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, June 5 (UPI) -- A cruise missile was successfully test-fired Tuesday by Pakistan's military, officials said.

The Hatf-VII cruise missile has a range of about 435 miles, the military said.

A military statement said the missile can carry "both nuclear and conventional warheads and has stealth capabilities," The New York Times reported

A Pakistani defense analyst said the missile test is part of a regional arms build-up with a focus on India. Pakistan test-fired two other missiles last week.

"This system provides Pakistan the capability to strike vital counter force targets all along the India-Pakistan border and coastline," analyst Mansoor Ahmed told the newspaper. "This is signaling to India that if you are modernizing your weaponry, then we are also not lagging behind."