Bangalore: Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister V K Aatre today (Aug 18, 2004) said that Agni III, the 3,000 kms intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM), is in the final phase of integration, but indicated that no time frame has been set for firing the missile.

"... it is in the final phase of integration. Various sub systems of Agni III are ready. When you will put together? When you launch? is much more than technology," Aatre, who will retire this month end as advisor, as also the head of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said.

"With ten days to go (to retire), I am not going to name a time for testing, it is for the next gentleman to say when it will be tested," he told reporters during a farewell meet organised by the Press Club of Bangalore.

DRDO, Aatre said, has begun developing the beyond the visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile Astra, which will be integrated with the home-grown Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.

He said the anti-tank missile Nag and surface-to-air missile Akash were in the final phase of development and "very soon trials would begin with the users".