Agni-III test-firing likely by month-end

New Delhi: Indian strategic forces will very likely test fire the 3,500-km long range Agni-III missile for the third time towards the end of the month. The missile has already had a successful test firing last year April and now moves towards operationalization of the system before user trials begin.

At a range of 3,500- km the Agni-III is capable of  striking most of the Middle East and China, including the cities of Shanghai and Beijing.

Though no official statement is forthcoming on the test firing, speculation in the media suggests that there may be a test window between 20 April-30 April that may be utilised for the launch.

Last year's successful test firing had followed on the heels of an unsuccessful one in 2006. After the 2007 test scientists had said that the missile would definitely require one more, possibly two, tests before being declared operational. As of now, induction into the strategic command is visualised by 2010-2011.

So far, the armed forces have inducted the 700-km Agni-I and 2,000-km-plus Agni-II missiles, apart from different versions of the short-range Prithvi missile. An upgraded version of the Agni-I was tested just last month as part of the user trials by Indian Army units.

Scientists have said that an extended range version of the Agni-III, with a strike range of 5,000 km, is possible with the addition of another shorter stage to the missile. This requires political clearance however, as with a range of 5,000 km the missile crosses a strategic line and becomes an intercontinental ballistic missile.

If such clearance is given scientists are confident that the 'Agni-III plus' missile could be tested in a year or so.

The 16.7-metre high Agni-III has a lift-off weight of 48 tonnes, while its smaller cousins weigh in at 12 tonnes (Agni-I) and 17 tonnes (Agni-II).

Scientists claim that the Agni-III is a very potent missile system, as it comes equipped with a flex nozzle system for its motors during the powered phase and also carries specially designed composite propellants with high specific impulse for the rocket.