Actually both the HSDTV & SMART aren't new concepts or technologies to speak off. The West attempted work on Hypersonic & supersonic missiles in the 70's & gave up. It's only in recent times that they've accelerated work on it primarily due to China being in the thick of it.I remember regularly reading his posts a long time back. Then I gave up as I saw increasing inconsistencies.
When the first test of the Nirbhay failed, he claimed India doesn't have any capabilities etc etc. Second test succeeded, he claimed the Russians helped us. 3rd test failed again, he started with the routine of DRDO can't do anything. So the saga continues. I have seen this pattern before.
His reporting of the Astra missiles development is no better. Same story. When news came of the development of a Ku band radar, he claimed DRDO can't do it as they have no prior experience. The rest is history.
How many days has it been since we tested the HSTDV or the SMART ? Both path breaking in their own right. Those missiles are 80s tech ? I used to admire his & Ajay Shukla's reporting. I also used to believe all ex-military guys must be undoubtedly great experts & will never have any ulterior motives. Then a gentleman by the name Panag came along. I rest my case.
Draw your conclusions mate, I have drawn mine.
Having said that, our achievements though late are commendable. As to the quality, can't really comment about it though Vijayinder Thakur has raised good points here ( compare the weight of the Agni -V & it's payload with its contemporaries) but you're right about him being an interested party with his own agenda.
PS - is there any official confirmation about the 650 kms range that's been reported in the media for SMART. PKS has repeatedly been pointing out that the range wouldn't exceed 50 kms with plenty of reasons why a 650 kms range is pretty useless apart from pointing out that contemporary designs by other navies too use something similar. Not that PKS is always right but the reasons he provides does make sense.
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