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Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) chief controller R&D (Missiles and
Strategic Systems) Avinash Chander said that the
strategic missile was in the final phase of testing
and could be launched soon.
"I cannot predict an exact date of its launch
now. But it will be launched shortly," Chander,
who was here for the concluding ceremony of the
golden jubilee celebrations of the Terminal Ballistics
Research Laboratory (TBRL), told the media here
Jan 15.
He said there was no immediate need for the country
to go in for longer range inter-continental ballistic
missiles (ICBM).
"Definitely, the capability (for ICBMs)
exists. We feel that the country does not need
it now," Chander said.
He said that the country's missile programme
was on the right path to provide an "effective
deterrence" against any adversary.
Though the Agni and other missiles developed
by DRDO scientists are capable of striking areas
inside Pakistan and China, Agni-V and the earlier
Agni-IV series will give India a deep penetrative
striking capability.
Since the Integrated Guided Missile Development
Programme was launched over three decades ago,
DRDO has delivered the Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Trishul,
Nag, Prahaar and other series of weapons.
"By 2020, India will be among the leading
countries in missile development," Chander
said
(IANS)
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