India has all the building blocks for an anti-satellite capability - Interview

Days after the milestone first test of India's strategic ballistic missile Agni-V, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat sat down for a detailed interview with Senior Editor Sandeep Unnithan.

The DRDO chief explains why the missile is a technological breakthrough and how it gives India the capability to target satellites in space.

Why is the Agni-V different from the previous Agni missiles?

Dr. VK Saraswat during an interview with India Today. Photo by T. Narayan.

VKS: Agni-V is a completely new missile system. It is a 21st-century missile because of the technologies used and a game changer because of its strategic deterrence value. The missile went from drawing board to launch pad in just over three years. The government sanctioned the Agni-V project in December 2008. We began design work on it in April 2009. The missile was on the launch pad on March 14, 2012 and launched five days later.

Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/agni-v-drdo-chief-dr-vijay-kumar-saraswat-interview/1/186248.html

"India has all the building blocks for an anti-satellite capability" : India News - India Today

Mysterious Missile Launch over California

Iran Test-Fires Advanced Missile: Show of Strength

Iran successfully test-fired an improved version of a long-range Sejil 2 missile today, according to state television. The Sejil 2 has a longer range than the previously tested missiles, which could theoretically hit Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf.

The tests came a day after the House of Representatives approved imposing sanctions on foreign companies that help Iran obtain gasoline. Meanwhile, the BBC makes it sound as though the missile test might have been a way to increase national pride on a day when Iran's judiciary hinted that leaders of the opposition might be arrested soon.

The judiciary chief announced the government has gathered enough evidence to support the contention that opposition leaders attempted to foment anti-government sentiments following the disputed presidential elections in June.