Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha

Abdul Kalam Island: Odisha government in september 2015 renamed the wheeler island, the missile launching station of the Defence and Reasearch Development Organisation in the Bay of Bengal close to Dharma coast after former President Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam. Announcing the decision of the state government, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, the wheeler island had played a major role in the test fire of missiles and Dr Kalam has a major contribution in it. "Renaming the island as Abdul Kalam Island will inspire our youngsters to work dedicatedly for scientific research. It is a humble tribute to the People's President," said chief minister Naveen Patnaik while announcing renaming of the island. Naveen said the island assumes great significance in view of its strategic location. It has been used as the launching pad for India's missile defence system. Remembering Kalam's association with Odisha and the Island, Naveen said Kalam was working at Defence Research and Development Organization, Balasore for pretty long. "It was Biju Babu (Biju Patnaik), who allotted the historic Wheeler Island to the ministry of defence on the request of Dr Kalam in 1993," Naveen added.

About Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha:

• Abdul Kalam Island (former Wheeler Island) is located approximately 10 kilometres off the Odisha coast on the Bay of Bengal. 
• Abdul Kalam Island is about 2 kilometres in length and 390 acres, is considered as country's most advanced missile testing site.
• Abdul Kalam Island is the missile test facility for most missiles of India; Akash Missiles, Agni Missiles, Astra Missile, BrahMos, Nirbhay, Prahaar Missile, Prithvi Missiles, Shaurya Missile, Advanced Air Defence (AAD), and Prithvi Air Defence. 
• Access to the test facility is by ship, as there is no bridge or airport connecting the island to the mainland. There is a small helipad, but missile airframes and all supplies, construction materials and heavy equipment arrive by ship.