India can develop ICBMs beyond 10,000 km range: DRDO official

Vadodara, April 4

Advertisement

India is capable of developing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) which can hit targets beyond the range of 10,000 km, said SK Salwan, Chairman of Armament Research Board, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

“India has successfully test-fired nuclear-capable Agni V missile recently which has a range of 5,000 km. But we are capable of developing ICBM that can hit targets beyond 10,000 km,” Salwan said on the sidelines of the 6th National Conference themed “Emerging Vistas of Technology in 21st Century” held here.

At the conference, organised by a city-based educational group, Salwan said such seminars should be held by academic institutes across the country so that there was a greater interaction between students, academicians and other stakeholders with the scientific institutions.

He also suggested that the HRD Ministry and the UGC should organise such seminars and conferences.

Salwan said beside the Agni-VI’s ground version, the DRDO is simultaneously working out on its underground variant.

He said after ban on import of components for laser technology, imposed by the US, UK and other countries, India has indigenously developed laser technology and has become self-sufficient. “We adopt synergic approach towards national needs and priorities in the field of armaments, yet keeping in focus the global advancements in order to develop competence in key areas,” he said.

On the role of Armament Research Board, he said it helps in creating self-sufficiency in critical technologies needed for development of competitive armament stores and put the armament discipline at the forefront in global scenario. — PTI