India on Friday announced a final successful test of its surface-to-air Akash missile before starting mass production under an ambitious plan to build a national missile defence shield.

"We are not in favour of introducing the new weapons systems in South Asia," Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Sadiq told a news conference.

"Because introduction of any new weapons system by any party would lead to an unnecessary armament race which South Asia cannot afford."

Pakistan carried out nuclear weapons tests in May 1998, following similar tests by India, with which it has fought three wars.

The neighbours were on the brink of a nuclear conflict in 2002 over tensions about disputed Kashmir, but began a slow-moving peace dialogue in 2004.

Pakistan test-fired a nuclear-capable cruise missile on December 11. It previously tested the missile in March and July.

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