Kasturirangan: Need for India to develop capabilities to protect its space assets; DRDO to test Agni III missile by July 2009
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Whatsapp
  • Linkedin
  • Print

    • The former Chairman of ISRO, Dr. K. Kasturirangan addressing a gathering in Chennai pointed out that India’s civilian satellites were vulnerable to attack and urged the taking of steps to prevent such a possibility1. He however did not elaborate on the kind of counter-measures India can develop to safeguard its civilian space-based assets.

    Reports noted that the DRDO is expected to test-fire the Agni III ballistic missile by the end of July 20092. The Agni III will become completely operational in 2012. The first test conducted in July 2006 was a failure, but the subsequent two tests carried out in April 2007 and in May 2008 were successful. The DRDO is also reportedly working on the longer range 5,000 kms Agni V, which can hit targets deep inside China. The Agni V, for whose development Rs. 2,500 crores have been allocated, will have improved navigation and guidance. The missile is intended to be canister-launched, giving it the operational capacity to be fired from any part of the country. Union Defence Minister Mr. A.K. Anthony had earlier stated that the government was implementing “all steps” to develop “whatever capabilities” were necessary "as per changing threat perceptions3.”

    Top