Even as the Indo-Russian cruise missile Brahmos was successfully test- fired from Balasore today, Defence officials said the induction of Agni-III surface-to-surface missile has been delayed as further tests have been postponed till next year.Scientific advisor to the Defence Minister and DRDO chief V.K. Atre said: ‘‘Preparations are in full swing, but the tests will be carried out early next year.’’ Earlier, Defence Minister George Fernandes had said that the 3,000-km range Agni-III will be tested by this year-end.The Army has already raised an artillery division, under the aegis of the Southern Command, for its missile regiments. While the Prithvi variants are being inducted, the Army will soon take in the 700-km range Agni-I, sources said. The regiments are expected to be operational by 2004-end.Later, Atre said the DRDO is also planning to revive the Trishul missile project.
