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India conducts ABM test
India's defence scientists on Monday successfully experimented with the coordinated launch of two surface-to-surface Prithvi-2 missiles from two different test ranges on the Orissa coast, defence sources said.The Prithvi-2, as a target missile, was first launched from the launch complex number 3 of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, 15 km from Balasore, at around 1015 hours. A second missile was fired from launch complex number 4 located on Wheeler Island off the Bhadrak district coast in the Bay of Bengal about 60 seconds later. The second missile successfully intercepted the one launched from Chandipur, sources said, adding that all data were being analysed. The interception occurred over the Bay of Bengal, the source said. The entire trajectory of both the missiles, carrying dummy warheads, was tracked by the Defence Research and Development Organisation scientists using different telemetry stations, sophisticated radars and electro-optic telescopes. Confirming the success, a senior scientist at the ITR said: "It is a great success. It is a moment of pride for the people of the entire country". The experiment, which was to be held on Sunday, was deferred till Monday. The project is termed as Prithvi Air Defence Exercise and more such exercises may be undertaken to make it foolproof for the country's defence preparedness. Prithvi-2 is a short range liquid propellant ballistic missile with a maximum range of 250 km with a 500 kg payload. Both nuclear and conventional warheads can be fitted with the sophisticated missile and can be launched from a transporter-erector-launcher vehicle designed to transport the missile along roads and railways. The Chief Controller, Research and Development, DRDO, and programme Director V.Saraswat and Director, Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, Prahallad were present during the launching of the missiles. Meanwhile, as a safety measure the Balasore district administration had temporarily evacuated about 600 families (2786 persons) living in a 2 km radius of the launch complex number 3 at ITR, Chandipur, before the launch. They were accomodated in two shelters set up for them. Fishermen and trawlers operating along the coastal belt of Balasore and Bhadrak districts had also been asked not to venture into the sea between 0800 hours and 1600 hours. Posted by: john 2006-11-27 |
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