• India needs to conduct more N-tests to acquire weapons capability
  http://www.dailystarnews.com/199805/27/n8052713.htm#BODY5
  Date: Thu, 28 May 1998
  Subject:VERY RELEVANT ARTICLE -- Count on more tests!

  A most relevant article that needs to be understood.

  There is a very relevant point raised in this article! It always took the US between 8 and 12 nuclear tests to perfect a fully functioning weapons system past anything other than a simple bomb to drop out of an airplane. The more special the weapons system like those for missile warheads, the more the need to test. Over time computer system and data from extensive past tests -- like 1500+ U.S. tests -- could allow for new weapons without full scale testing, but not with 100% certainty they will perform as planned.

  Russia had the same problem and close to the same ratio of tests to perfected weapon.

  Therefore India would likely have to conduct more tests or risk not being able to fine-tune its weapons for various uses and delivery systems. Pakistan on the other hand doesn't have that big of a problem in this regard since it is using a proven bomb design already proof-tested by China and adaptable to sit atop missiles also based on a design obtained from China.

  India may say it has done enough tests and doesn't need any more, but the truth is that they likely will have to use Pakistan's tests and threats of putting on missiles as excuse to test a few more times. Pakistan likewise can't match India's claim for having a full fledged 2-stage H-bomb, and so will do the same for more tests of their own.

  J Truman

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