INDIA: Scientist behind recent missile launch says they plan to build a stronger missile network

Record ID: 1374103

  • Title: INDIA: Scientist behind recent missile launch says they plan to build a stronger missile network
  • Date: 22nd April 2012
  • Summary: NEW DELHI, INDIA (APRIL 20, 2012) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI - NO ACCESS BBC) TESSY THOMAS, PROJECT MANAGER (MISSION), AGNI-V, BEING INTERVIEWED (SOUNDBITE) (English) PROJECT MANAGER (MISSION), AGNI-V, TESSY THOMAS, SAYING: "We are developing new and new technologies, that's what our scientific advisors said, we are working on the new systems, as and when it comes, it will be delivered, if the requirement is there." (SOUNDBITE) (English) PROJECT MANAGER (MISSION), AGNI-V, TESSY THOMAS, SAYING: "Yeah, it was lot of lightning and thunder and all. We want the full details of the telemetry, tracking and all. So if the weather is not good, we won't be able to get a full picture and other things. That's why we had to reschedule it."
  • Embargoed: 7th May 2012 01:58
  • Keywords:
  • Location: India, India
  • Country: India
  • Topics: Politics,Technology
  • Reuters ID: LVA78BM8RXSIGFUPNPNG7RDDE3JP
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Story Text: Following India's successful missile test earlier this week, the mission's project manager said that more research was being done.
    "We are developing new and new technologies, that's what our scientific advisors said, we are working on the new systems, as and when it comes, it will be delivered, if the requirement is there," scientist Tessy Thomas told reporters in New Delhi on Friday (April 20).
    On Thursday (April 19), India successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable missile that can reach Beijing and Eastern Europe, thrusting the emerging Asian power into a small club of nations that can deploy nuclear weapons at such a great distance.
    Almost entirely Indian-made, the Agni-V is the crowning achievement of a programme developed primarily with a threat from neighbouring China in mind.
    It will not be operational for at least two years, the government says.
    The launch, which was flagged well in advance, was delayed by a day due to adverse weather conditions.
    "Yeah, it was lot of lightning and thunder and all. We want the full details of the telemetry, tracking and all. So if the weather is not good, we won't be able to get a full picture and other things. That's why we had to reschedule it," Thomas said.
    Only the U.N. Security Council permanent members - China, France, Russia the United States and Britain - along with Israel, are believed to have such long-range weapons.
    Fast emerging as a world economic power, India is eager to play a larger role on the global stage and has long angled for a permanent seat on the Security Council.
    In recent years it has emerged as the world's top arms importer as it upgrades equipment for a large but outdated military.
  • Copyright Holder: ANI (India)
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