India is considering developing intercontinental ballistic missiles with a range of 5,500 kilometers (3,500 miles) in two to three years' time, a top defense scientist said Friday. M. Natrajan, scientific adviser to India's defense minister, told reporters India now has the capability to make missiles with a range of 3,500-5,500 kilometers (2,100-3,500 miles), but a decision on developing intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMs, has to be taken by «the political leadership, according to AP. Natrajan's statement came a day after India successfully test fired the «Agni-III» missile. It is designed to reach 3,000 kilometers (1,900 miles), and is capable of carrying nuclear warheads across much of Asia and the Middle East. The successful launch came nearly eight months after a failed test when a Agni-III missile plunged into the Bay of Bengal well short of its target. India will need up to 10 more Agni-III tests before it can become a viable missile system, said Rahul Bedi, a defense expert. Both India and neighboring archrival Pakistan routinely test missiles. India and Pakistan have fought three wars since they gained independence from Britain in 1947, but relations have improved since 2004, when they began a peace process in an effort to resolve differences, including over the disputed region of Kashmir. India's missile arsenal already includes the short-range Prithvi ballistic missile, the medium-range Akash, the anti-tank Nag and the supersonic Brahmos missile, developed jointly with Russia. -- SPA
