Pakistan Tests Nuclear-Capable Missile

Pakistan carried out a successful test firing of a short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile on Thursday, the military said.

The launch of the Hatf III, which has a range of up to 290 kilometers and can also carry conventional warheads, came at the end of a field training exercise, a military statement said.

Two weeks ago Pakistan test-fired an intermediate range ballistic missile, seen as a response to arch-rival India's launch of its new long-range Agni V, capable of hitting targets anywhere in China.

India and Pakistan -- which have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947 -- have routinely carried out missile tests since both demonstrated nuclear weapons capability in 1998.

Defense analysts say India's strategic priorities are moving away from Pakistan to focus more on China, while Pakistan is still worried about its old foe.