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India in talks with U.S. for ballistic missile defence

Dallas: Barely a month after carrying out successful tests of interceptor missiles, India is in talks with a leading American aerospace firm to apparently seek collaboration for developing a robust ballistic missile defence (BMD) system.

“We are still in touch with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials,” Dennis D. Cavin, vice-president, International Air and Missile Defence Strategic Initiatives (IAMDSI) of Lockheed Martin, told PTI.

The IAMDSI is developing the PAC-III anti-missile system for the U.S.

U.S. experts said New Delhi could be looking for Washington’s help and that of other nations in developing crucial sub-systems for the BMD.

Mr. Cavin, who would be flying to India next month, said New Delhi could be looking at the U.S. help to develop “hit-to-kill” technology for its interceptor missiles. He would be meeting V. K. Saraswat, who is known as the father of the Indian interceptor missile programme.

The U.S. is developing a multi-layered anti missile defence system, of which the PAC-II, III and Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) would form the essential components.

While the PAC-II and III systems are being deployed to tackle threats from air-breathing cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, the THAAD system is developed to take care of threats from “Eco and Endo” atmospheric ballistic missile threats. The Americans, who have already deployed the PAC-II and III systems, are likely to deploy the THAAD system between 2009 and 2010 to give cover to the U.S. troops deployed overseas.

“Our doors of cooperation with India on the BMD system are open,” Mr. Cavin said. — PTI

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