Bangalore: India is planning to test its Agni-III missile with a range of 3000 kms this year, scientific advisor to Defence Minister Dr V K Aatre said.

Speaking to reporters at Aero India 2003 in Bangalore, he said Agni-III will be tested before this year end.

Aatre said BRAHMOS, the supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia, has the potential to increase its range from the present capability of 290 kms (exceeding MTCR- Missile Technology Control Regime rules).

This is an anti-ship missile, he said adding research and development (R&D) is under way to build a subsonic cruise missile, he added.

He said India is planning to upgrade the LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) into MCA (Medium Combat Aircraft).

India's own unmanned aerial vehicle "Lakshya", has attracted a foreign customer and soon the deal will be signed to sell the UAVs to that country, he added but declined to name that country.

Aatre talking to reporters on the first day of Asia's biggest air show said, India is researching on Anti-Ballistic Missile System like 'patriot anti-missiles'.

He said, the surface-to-air "Trishul" missile has some technical hitches, which will be overcome soon.