India Tests Non-Nuclear Missile

India on Wednesday test fired a cruise missile jointly developed with Russia and capable of hitting Pakistan, officials said.

The Brahmos missile, based on the Russian Yahont anti-ship missile, cannot carry a nuclear warhead but has a range of 185 miles, sufficient for hitting several cities in neighboring Pakistan. The missile has a payload of 440 pounds.

India and its longtime rival Pakistan both have nuclear weapons. Pakistan has denounced the Brahmos missile program, saying it worsens tensions in South Asia.

Pakistan said the test was part of India's policy of "massive militarization."

"We know that India has a policy of massive militarization. They are developing missiles of all sorts," said Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman Kamran Niaz. "Pakistan is aware of India's militarization."

However, Niaz said Pakistan will operate at its own pace. He refused to discuss whether Pakistan would respond with a test of its own. However, he said that Pakistan would not be motivated by India, but rather to "test when it is technically required."

The Indian defense minister said the test showed the missiles accuracy.

"The missile followed the predicted trajectory and accurately hit the target," George Fernandes was quoted as saying by Press Trust of India.

The Brahmos soared off the Indian Navy's destroyer "Rajput" on Wednesday afternoon, PTI reported.

The missile, which flies at twice the speed of sound, has undergone previous successful tests and is expected to be deployed next year, army officials say.