DRDO denies US help for ballistic missile defence project

New Delhi, Jan 18 (UNI) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today emphatically denied that it had sought any American help for the country's indigenous ballistic missile defence project.

Reacting to reports that US defence major Lockheed Martin was ''in touch'' with the DRDO on this issue, the organisation's Chief Controller (R&D), Dr Prahlad totally denied the news or that the DRDO needed any help.

''We need no external assistance in our endeavour, which is progressing well,'' he asserted.

Reports had quoted Lockheed Martin's International Air and Missile Defence Strategic Initiatives' (IAMSD) -- which makes the Patriot-III system for the US -- vice president Dennis D Cavin as saying his firm was in talks with the DRDO.

The DRDO had earlier this month claimed that its missile defence system was much better and capable then the American 'Patriot.' Dr Prahlad had termed the American system at least 20 years behind current technology, as well being costly.

The main brain behind the ballistic missile defence programme and DRDO Chief Controller V K Saraswat had earlier asserted that their system would be up and running in three years time.

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