New Delhi: The tests of the 3000 km range surface-to-surface missile, Agni III, have been delayed till January 2004, according to the country's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief Dr V K Atre.

"The preparations are in full swing, but the tests would be carried out early next year," he told reporters in New Delhi.

Though the government had given no time frame for carrying out the tests of the intermediate range ballistic missiles, Defence Minister George Fernandes had indicated that it would be done by 2003 end.

Affirming that the process of induction of the 700 km shorter range Agni I and 1,500 to 2,000 km range Agni II had begun, Atre said full user trials of the surface to surface Akash missiles would be carried out by the yearend.

He also indicated that after user trials of the Akash, which would then be offered for induction to the three services, DRDO was planning to revive the shelved surface to surface multi-target capable Trishul missile.

The DRDO has carried out a series of Trishul tests recently, with defence scientists saying that though the missile had been put on backburner, some critical sub-systems were being tested.

The DRDO chief speaking to reporters on the sidelines of seminar on Landslides and Avalanches studies, indicated that government was moving to revive the project.

PTI