DRDO chief V.K. Saraswat on Friday said India was developing missiles that can be launched from under water.
Asked about development of any capability to launch ballistic missiles from submarines to complete a triad, Dr Saraswat said the design of such a missile would have to be very different since it has to withstand the tremendous pressure exerted by the ocean.
Top DRDO scientists said on Friday that the Agni-V LRBM is designed to carry only a single warhead and
added that development of MIRVs would be a separate project.
“The (missile) cone will be different (for MIRVs),” said Dr Saraswat.While it is well-known that the Agni-V provides crucial nuclear-capable deterrence vis-à-vis China since the missile can hit all parts of China, Dr Saraswat said, “Our development needs (of missiles) are based on current threats.
Obviously, we have a threat profile which is emerging.” The statement is therefore significant, given China’s often belligerent approach towards India on territorial disputes.
“The missile game is not by way of numbers. It is not a cold war game. There is a no first-use policy. But
if we are attacked, we will take out our best weapons,” he said.
When asked about a Chinese media report that purportedly dismissed India’s missile prowess, Dr
Saraswat said, “We don’t worry about reactions from any country.