Missile defence system test at Wheeler Island next week

To protect the country's boundary from missile attacks, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) plans to test Anti-Ballistic Missile Defence System from Wheeler Island in Balasore next week.

"The Anti-Ballistic Missile Defence System is a system to intercept enemy missiles attacking us. It is designed to intercept any missile which has a range of 2000 kilometers, coming from any of our adversaries. The missiles will get intercepted at a range of more than 100 kilometers away so that damage to any of our cities can be prevented", Avinash Chander, Director General, DRDO told media persons.

Chander was here to attend the 3rd convocation ceremony of city based Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University.

The test for this longer range (beyond 100 kilometers) interceptor, which is indigenously built, is being conducted for the first time, he added.

In addition, DRDO will undertake two more vital tests shortly for the cruise missile, Nirbhay and air to air missile, Astra."Both have unique capabilities. Astra will be tested for the first time from a Su-30 aircraft. These two tests will be conducted between Chandipur and Wheeler Island in next 15 to 20 days", Chander said.

Nirbhay's earlier test was unsuccessful.

While Agni-I, Agni-II and Agni-III ballistic missiles have already been inducted into the armed forces, 'Agni-IV' and Agni V will get inducted soon, he added.

"We have come a long way since our independence, from mere buyers of technology to making science and technology an important contributor for national development and societal transformation. It is important for India to put its act together to become a continuous innovator and creator of science and technology intensive products," said Chander, who is also the scientific advisor to Defence Minister.

He said, inspite of its strong scientific and technical manpower base, India was still far behind in creation of intangible assets and ownership of patents.

"The time has come to reverse this trend which is possible only through dedicated programs for research in the frontier areas of technology, engineering and science," he said, while commenting that higher academic institutions in the country lacked orientation towards research, as a result of which, their standing amongst the top global institutions was not very high.

"Our institutions must be able to challenge the frontiers of knowledge. Our universities have to create an environment supportive of innovation," the DRDO chief said.

Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, former Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh, Chander, Kota Harinarayana, a scientist who contributed to the development of the state-of-the-art light combat aircraft, V Nagaraajan, professor emeritus in Neuroscience at MGR Medical University, Tamil Nadu, Sitakant Mahapatra, eminent poet and Jnanpeeth award winner and KL Chopra, former Director of IIT, Kharagpur, were awarded the Honorary Doctorate Degrees by Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University.

Twenty five researchers got their Ph.D degrees on the occasion while two President's Gold Medals and 29 University Gold Medals were given away to toppers in various streams. Altogether 3,257 students were presented their degrees on the occasion.