By IANS
New Delhi : Indian defence scientists are testing capabilities to launch submarine-based missiles, the defence ministry said Tuesday.
“Development of technical elements for potential underwater launch capabilities is in progress,” a defence ministry spokesperson said, clarifying that no test firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) had been undertaken.
On Tuesday, there were reports that scientists of the Defence and Research Development Organisation (DRDO) had tested a 1,500-km range SLBM in the Bay of Bengal.
“No SLBM of said range has been launched by DRDO,” the spokesman said.
The DRDO, with Israeli assistance, is developing a 1,100-km submarine-launched nuclear-capable cruise missile that DRDO chief M. Natarajan has said would soon be tested.
The turbojet powered, vertically launched Sagarika missile is capable of delivering a 500 kg warhead. India is also hoping to rope in a few European missile firms for the project.
The DRDO has also produced the submarine-launched version of the BrahMos cruise missile that has been jointly developed with Russia.
“The submarine-launched missile is ready and awaiting a necessary platform for trial,” Defence Minister A.K. Antony had told parliament last week.
The Indian Navy is believed to have approached Russia for loaning an Akula-class submarine for testing the missile. This is because the navy’s Russian-made Kilo-class submarines and the German-designed HDW submarines do not have the capability to fire cruise missiles.
The land version of BrahMos has been inducted with the Indian Army. The ship and air-launched versions are under development.