India set to test fire first under water ballistic missile

New Delhi, Feb 18 (UNI) India today joined the select group of nations which have developed under water ballistic missile system capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The ballistic missile, K-15, having a range of 700 km was likely to be test fired soon, a top Defence Research and Development Organsation (DRDO) confirmed here today.

''We have completed all the preparations for the launch.

It will be test fired within a month...the moment we get a submarine,'' DRDO chief controller Dr S Prahlada told journalists on the sidelines of the fifth DefExpo here.

He said five ''different kinds of tests'' have already been conducted from a temporary pontoon platform, a replica of a submarine.

''The missile system is ready for the test any time now in the seas off the integrated test range (ITR) site at Chandipur-on-sea in Orissa's Balasore,'' Dr Prahlada added.

This was for the first time that any defence official has formally admitted to the existence of indigenously developed K-15 missile system.

The project, till now, was being developed behind a heavy ''official veil'' of secrecy.

The missile system was likely to be deployed on yet another secret project of the DRDO, code-named ATV (Advanced Technology Vessel), a nuclear powered submarine, sources said.

With the successful test, India would join the select group of nations such as the US, Russia, France and China to possess such a capability.

Dr Prahlada said preparations have also been made to conduct the second test of 3000-km range Agni-III missile.

The Government has also cleared proposals for a joint venture with Israel to produce long-range surface-to-air missile for the Indian Navy, he added.

UNI AG SK RK1924