Posted on 03/21/2011 9:50:24 AM PDT by Sancho1984
The DC Space Examiner reported on March 6, 2011 that India performed a test of the interceptor missile portion of its ballistic missile defense system. The test, the sixth of the test series, was reportedly a success and a validation of the technology to be integrated into India's defense system. The interceptor is purportedly the final component to be tested.
As a byline, V.K. Saraswat, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Director-General, stated this latest success demonstrated India's capability to effectively neutralize satellites belonging to an adversary.[1] While not the primary purpose of the test of India's ABM program, Sarawat's statement reflects India's interest in anti-satellite (ASAT) technology, and it has reportedly put together the necessary components to acquire such a capability . The question is even with the necessary technology to acquire an ASAT capability, does that mean they have a proven capability?
ABMs and ASATs
The history of India's ASAT capability dove-tails with the development of its ABM program. Unlike the ABM capability sought by India, its endeavor towards an ASAT capability is fairly new. India's indigenously built ABM system has been in development for several decades and only began to bear fruit in November 2006 when an intercept was performed outside the atmosphere. India followed up this success with others in an effort to bring its ABM capability to operational status sometime in 2012.[2]
(Excerpt) Read more at examiner.com ...
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