Tribune News ServiceNew Delhi, May 31
The induction of the 2000-km surface-to-surface Agni-II, a key delivery system in the country’s nuclear deterrent profile, has been planned during the year 2001-2002.
The government’s decision was announced today by the Defence Minister, Mr Jaswant Singh. He was addressing the Parliamentary Consultative Committee members attached to his Ministry.
The announcement came even as the Defence Ministry earlier in the day in its annual report stressed on the need for India to develop accurate and refined nuclear delivery systems as part of its minimum deterrence to ward off any threat from China, which is further augmenting its missiles capabilities in a bid to achieve the super power status.
“Agni-II is an operational missile system designed and developed using various technologies,” Mr Singh said while adding that limited production of the two stage missile using solid propulsion system had also begun.
The limited production was started after the two successful flight trials of the missile which can carry a payload of one tonne and is launched from a rail mobile launcher. The flight trials were carried out on April 11, 1999, and January 17 last.
Defence sources said the government was considering giving the green signal for development of missiles having a strike range of longer than Agni-II.
The Defence Minister announced that the country was now on the verge of developing beyond visual range air-to-air missile “Astra” for arming the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft.
The missile being designed and developed by scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will make India join the ranks of eight powerful countries like the United States and Russia, which have the capability of producing such missiles.
The Defence Minister said the country’s integrated guided missile programme was now on a “steady path”, and the missile project was completely indigenous and four other missiles — short range surface-to-surface missile Prithvi, surface-to-air Trishul, medium range surface-to-air Akash and third generation anti-tank Nag missile were about to enter production stage.
The minister told the members that “no constraints” in funds would be allowed to come in the way of indigenous development of the integrated missile programme.
The Members of Parliament complimented the scientists of the DRDO for their commendable work on the missile projects.
Among those who attended the meeting included Defence Secretary Yogendra Narain, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister V.K. Aatre and other top DRDO officials.
