Govt scales down missile range, aims closer home

DNA Exclusive

NEW DELHI: India seems to be in no hurry to go in for a fully-developed Inter Continental Ballistic Missile — one with a range exceeding 5,500 kilometres that is capable of hitting targets beyond Asia. At least that’s the message being sent out by the Centre.

The Union government has asked missile scientists not to pursue a full range ICBM project, defence sources told DNA. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) too, has been asked to limit the range of the latest missile under development to 5,000 kilometres. This nuclear-capable missile in the Agni series would be called Agni-III* (Agni Three Star), a source said.

The capping of India’s missile range is part of the government’s effort to deflect international attention and pressures,  since a full-range ICBM could draw criticism and sanctions. After test-firing the Agni-III in April, the DRDO had announced that it possessed the ability to develop an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile. But, when the government was briefed about this, it asked the organisation’s top brass to stop work on an advanced version.

“The government does not want to invite any unwanted attention from the international community or other complications,” said an army source. “Especially since the Indo-US nuke deal is under negotiation, and the country is hoping to come into its own as a nuclear weapons state.”

The Centre’s attempt to sidestep any controversy over the development of the ICBM comes close on the heels of signs of unease within the international community. Recently, President APJ Abdul Kalam disclosed that several countries had suspended the sale of polyacrylonitrile fibre (PAN) to India after the Agni-III tests.

However, certain sources within the security establishment argue that for a growing economic and military power like India, an ICBM is a ‘logical move forward’. But for the time-being there is no political will to drive such a project.

According to another source, the 5,000-km limit has its reasons. “With that range we would be able to cover all our potential targets by launching the missile without having to move it to the border,” says a source.  

The range covers all key targets in Pakistan and China. Soon after the Agni-III test, the DRDO top brass had said its scientists would be able to produce the ICBM with a range of 5,000 km in three years. DRDO chief, M Natarajan, had said that by squeezing in a third stage in the Agni-III, they could propel the same payload up to 5,000 km.

Now, sources indicate the government has asked the DRDO to cap the missile range at that, and not proceed with its plans for a full-range ICBM in the range of 8,000 km.

For many years, there were reports about the possible development of Surya, an indigenous ICBM with multiple re-entry vehicles. But sources insist Agni-III* will remain India's longest range missile for some time to come "unless the government reverses its policy."