Missile technologists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are readying for a test-firing of the intermediate range ballistic missile, Agni-II Prime, from Wheeler's Island off the coast of Orissa on 15 November.

The missile is designed to achieve a range of 3,000 km.

The Prime's launch takes place after a series of successful flights of the Shourya, Prithivi-II and Agni-II missiles in the last week of September this year.

This particular test has the scientists on tenterhooks as the maiden launch of Agni-II Prime in December 2010 had failed. The flight ended abruptly after a problem in the control system of the first stage of the missile, which occurred during the lift-off.

The Agni-II is a critical link in the chain for DRDO missile scientists as India's intercontinental ballistic missile, the Agni-V, will derive most of its sub-systems from Agni-II Prime.

The Agni-V would be capable of hitting targets at a distance of 5,000 km.

As for the Agni-II Prime, scientist said there would be no change in the configuration of the missile to be launched on 15 November from the missile that failed last December.

According to DRDO sources, they had identified the problem that occurred last time and had taken due precautions.

Agni-II Prime, a two-stage surface-to-surface missile, fills the gap in the ranges between Agni-II and Agni-III. While Agni-II can take out targets 2,000 km away, Agni-III can travel a distance of 3,500 km.

All the three are strategic missiles that can carry nuclear warheads.

The missile has been designed and developed by the Advanced Missile Laboratory, Hyderabad.

The motors of the three stages of the Agni-V have undergone successful tests at a facility at Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh.

The maiden flight of the Agni-V is scheduled for December 2011 or January/February 2012.