Pakistan launches surface-to-surface ballistic missile 'Nasr'

RAWALPINDI - Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa Wednesday witnessed the "training launch" of short range surface-to-surface ballistic missile 'Nasr' that can hit its target at 70 kilometers.

"Pakistan has successfully undertaken a series of training launches and tests and trials during the current week for validation of new technical parameters of 'Nasr' with enhanced range from 60 km to 70 km and flight maneuverability," the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a tweet.

"Nasr Puts 'cold water' on 'cold start'!" COAS.

COAS witnessed training launch of 'SSM Nasr' with enhanced range and manoeuvrability.(1of2) pic.twitter.com/RWH6rsrVrS

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) July 5, 2017

The ISPR said the weapon system will "augment credible deterrence" against the "prevailing threat spectrum" more effectively, including anti-missile defenses.

The army chief was quoted by the ISPR as saying that "Nasr puts 'cold water' on 'cold start'."

"Our strat cap is a guarantee of peace agnst belligerent neighbour & only meant to ensure, no one thinks war remains an option", COAS(2 of2) pic.twitter.com/oMU4bZNnse

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) July 5, 2017

Nasr is a high-precision weapon system with the ability to be deployed quickly, the military said.

‘Cold Start’

Cold Start is the name given to a limited-war strategy designed by the Indian Armed Forces to seize Pakistani territory swiftly without, in theory, risking a nuclear conflict.

It involves the various branches of India's military conducting offensive operations as part of unified battle groups. The Cold Start doctrine is intended to allow India's conventional forces to perform holding attacks in order to prevent a nuclear retaliation from Pakistan in case of a conflict.

It has its roots in an attack on India’s parliament in 2001, which was carried out by terrorist groups allegedly used as proxies by Pakistan’s powerful intelligence services (ISI).

Yet India has refused to own up to the existence of the doctrine since it was first publicly discussed in 2004.