Date:07/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/07/stories/2007120761231800.htm

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Missile test: scientists ecstatic

Y. Mallikarjun and T.S. Subramanian

Wheeler Island (Orissa): Thursday’s successful testing of a hypersonic interceptor missile by India has made scientists jubilant.

A deafening applause broke out in the Mission Control Centre (MCC) on Wheeler Island as top Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists watched the grand finale.

Amidst joyous scenes, they lifted V.K. Saraswat, Mission Director and Chief Controller, DRDO R&D, (Missiles and Strategic Systems) and kept chanting “DRDO Zindabad.”

The endo-atmospheric interception test was conducted as part of the DRDO’s plans to build a two-tiered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) shield to protect the country’s vulnerable areas against incoming enemy missiles.

On November 27, 2006, a target missile was intercepted at an altitude of 50 km in exo-atmosphere. It was also in a direct hit.

‘Confirms capability’

Dr. Saraswat told The Hindu: “The successful interception certainly confirms the capability of India to defend itself against incoming ballistic missiles. We can assure the nation today that the DRDO has the technology to develop a potent missile shield for the country .”

M. Natarajan, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, called the mission a “great success.”