ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Pakistan said it test-fired a short-range cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead Thursday, one day after archrival India test-fired a long-range missile with nuclear capability. The 220-mile-range Pakistani missile, known as the Ra'ad or Hatf VIII, was developed exclusively for launch from aircraft, a military statement said. The statement did not disclose the launch site but said the missile "has special stealth capabilities," and is a "low altitude, terrain-following missile with high maneuverability." The missile "can deliver all types of warheads with great accuracy," the military said. Pakistan became a declared nuclear power in 1998 by conducting nuclear tests in response to those by India. Since then, the South Asian neighbors have both routinely test-fired missiles. On Wednesday, India test-fired the Agni III, its longest-range missile designed to reach 1,900 miles _ putting China's major cities as well some targets deep in the Middle East into range. India's missile was launched from Wheeler Island off the eastern state of Orissa and is believed to be capable of carrying a 300-kiloton nuclear warhead. India and Pakistan have fought three wars since gaining independence from Britain in 1947. Their relations have improved since 2004 when they began a peace process aimed at resolving their core dispute over the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir.
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