Pokhran II was a failure: Indian Scientist

Pokhran II was a failure if an Indian Scientist is to be believed. K Santhanam a senior scientist and DRDO representative at Pokhran II has admitted admitting that the only thermonuclear device tested was a fizzle. And according to definition if fizzle in nuclear terms – fizzle occures when it fails to meet the desired yield.

The test was said to have yielded 45 kilotons (KT) but was challenged by western experts who said it was not more than 20 KT. The thermonuclear test, or hydrogen bomb in popular usage, was much lower than what was claimed.

The yield Pokhran test in 1998 has been a point of debate. The western experts say that it was not as claimed, BARC has maintained its assessment. Indian scientists had claimed after the test that the thermonuclear device gave a total yield of 45 KT, 15 KT from the fission trigger and 30 KT from the fusion process and that the theoretical yield of the device (200 KT) was reduced to 45 KT in order to minimise seismic damage to villages near the test range. Western experts challenged the claim indicating combined yield for the fission device and thermonuclear bomb was not more than 20 KT.

Who is K Santhanam

K Santhanam, who was director for 1998 test site preparations. Santhanam, was DRDO’s chief advisor.

Why he is stating this now?

It seems he wants India not to sign the CTBT. Hence he is creating this awareness that the tests done in Pokhran II were not enough and there is need to conduct more tests. Check one of his following statement to TOI:

“Based upon the seismic measurements and expert opinion from world over, it is clear that the yield in the thermonuclear device test was much lower than what was claimed. I think it is well documented and that is why I assert that India should not rush into signing the CTBT” K Santhanam Indian Nuclear Scientist.

What is the significance of his statements for India

Now that K Santhanam has indicated this the government has to act. Either they have to disapprove his claims (which has already been done by APJ Abdul Kalaam whi has indicated that the tests were a success) or you do something to prove that you have this capability (which means conduct test again). Check the photo above where K Santhanam (first from left) is showing the victory sign along with Dr APJ Abdul Kalaam after the tests.

Reacting to comment by Dr APJ Abdul Kalaam he said to rediff: “I would like to react to that. First of all, Dr Kalam is not a nuclear scientist. He is a missile scientist and he was not present there at that time. He is blissfully ignorant of the facts. Do I need to say more?”

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