Dallas (Texas), January 17, 2008 (DefenceIndia News Service)

Hardly a month after carrying out successful tests of interceptor missiles, India is in talks with a leading American aerospace firm to apparently seek collaboration to develop a robust Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.

"We are still in touch with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials," Dennis D Cavin, Vice President, International Air and Missile Defence Strategic Initiatives (IAMDSI) of Lockheed Martin, told media.

The IAMDSI is developing the pac-iii anti-missile system for the US.

US experts said New Delhi could be looking for Washington's help and that of other nations in developing crucial sub-systems for the BMD.

Cavin, who would be flying to India next month, said India could be looking at us to help develop "hit-to-kill" technology for its interceptor missiles.

The American official said he would be meeting Dr V K Saraswat, who is known as the father of the Indian interceptor missile programme.

US is developing a multi-layered anti missile defence system of which, pac-ii, iii and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) would form essential components.

While, the pac-ii and iii systems are being deployed to tackle the threat from air-breathing cruise missiles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) threats, the thaad system is developed to take care of threats from "eco and endo" atmospheric ballistic missile threats.

The Americans, who have already deployed pac-ii and iii systems, are likely to deploy thaad system between 2009-2010 to give cover to US troops deployed overseas.

(Zee News)