Sunday, April 28, 2013

India flexes its nuclear muscles ... while we fixate on North Korea and Iran!

While the United States beats the war drums over North Korea and Iran’s long-ranged nuclear armed missiles –which they don’t even possess – Washington remains curiously silent about the arrival of the world’s newest member of the big nuke club – India.

In January, Delhi revealed a new, 800km-ranged submarine launched missile (SLBM) designated K-15. Twelve of these strategic, nuclear-armed missiles will be carried by India’s first of a class of domestically built nuclear-powered submarine, "Arihant." India is also working on another SLBM, K-5, with a range of some 2,800km.

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The Bush administration began quietly aiding India’s nuclear program with nuclear fuel when India had a shortage of fissile material. Some advanced technology from the US and India’s second largest arms supplier, Israel, has also aided Delhi’s nuclear and missile delivery programs.

India, as I wrote years ago after one of its big nuclear tests, is feeling its "nuclear Viagra." Most Indians take great pride in their strategic nuclear programs as their way into the great power’s exclusive nuclear club.

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One day mighty India may vie for influence with the US for Mideast and Central Asian oil, and control of the Indian Ocean’s vital sea lanes. But not today, as all eyes are on pipsqueak North Korea and dilapidated Iran. Full story...

Related posts:
  1. India launches 'INS Arihant', its first nuclear submarine...
  2. India launches stealth destroyer...
  3. When North Korea roars, South Korea yawns...
  4. Iran's nuclear threat and infantile conservatism...
  5. Israel cries wolf: Netanyahu's anti-Iran demagogy...

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