India Designs Missile Defence System

India will have its own ballistic missile defence system by 2010, according to military officials.

The system, developed in collaboration with France and Israel, will intercept and destroy intermediate ballistic missiles (IRBMs) and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Defence Research and Development Organisation chief controller V K Saraswat says the system is currently in the design stage and will be tested in 2009.

"We are developing a robust anti-missile defence system that will have high-speed interceptions for engaging ballistic missiles in the 5,000km class and above," he says.

"As our birthright is to defend the country and its interests, we will be self-reliant to ensure we are not attacked."

Late last year, India demonstrated the capability of handling targets at a range up to 2,500km.

By staff writer