India to test its missile defence shield in November:Official

Bangalore, Aug 29 (UNI) Testing different techniques, India will test its Missile Defence Shield in November, V K Saraswat, Chief Controller of DRDO (Missile Strategic System) said today.

Speaking to newspersons on the sidelines of the National conference on 'Networking and Network Centric Operations' organised by CSI here, Dr Saraswat said, ''We will test our missile defence system using different configuration going for higher altitude kill, compared to last times' 48 kms.'' He said a longer version of ICBM, Agni-III, titled A-5 would be tested by late next year according to a planned programme. ''This missile is commensurate in keeping with threat to the region''.

He said indigenously built air-to-air Astra guided missile would be tested next month at Chandipur-on-sea in Orissa. ''The test will take place in the window of September,'' he added.

The 80-km range missile was slated to be fitted to frontline fighter Sukhoi-30 MKI and later with other fighter jets. It was developed at DRDO's Hyderabad facility.

On Akash, Dr Saraswat said the production had commenced with Indian Air Force placing orders for it. For the Navy Long Range Sam (LR-SAM) was expected to enter its flight trial phase probably next year, he added.

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