Where is India in nuclear weapons technology today?
(K) – The 3 tests on May 11, the hydrogen bomb, the fission device and sub-kiloton device, as well as the two subsequent sub-kiloton device have proved clearly that our nuclear weapons technology has achieved a stage of self reliance. If there is a demand for it, we shall do it. Q: What was the logic behind simultaneous detonation? A: (RC) – The two devices, the thermonuclear and fission device were one km apart. We needed to make sure that the detonation of one did not cause damage to the other, since the stock wave has a time travel in milliseconds. So went in for simultaneous detonation. It was also simpler – use one button to blow three. We had close in seismic measurements and accelerometer data also. Q: What fraction of the hydrogen bomb energy is due to the thermonuclear part? What was the cost of the tests and weaponisation? A: (K) – As regards cost, this does not amount to huge amounts. These costs were met from the budgets of our respective departments, over and above what we
