NEW DELHI: Despite the lack of success in the first test firing of the long range Agni-III missile, its shorter range versions would continue to be favoured for other tactical and strategic deployments and could even replace the Prithvi series of missiles which have not found favour with the armed forces, said Defence Ministry sources here.

Sources said the continued experimentation with the Agni family of missiles would soon signal the termination of the Prithvi ballistic missile project, the first real success story in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.

Although there were reservations about the accuracy of Prithvi missiles, the armed forces were aware that the navigation systems could be improved over time. But they were more concerned about the cumbersome procedure for filling the missiles before the launch as that could leave tell tale signs for the enemy to strike at its location.

As a result, work began on an Agni-I missile variation, which completed its last successful test over two years ago. The importance of the test was underlined by congratulatory messages by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Since then, the sources said, the equipping of the specially-raised "334 Missile Group" of the Indian Army with these missiles is "almost complete" while the raising of the "335 Missile Group" has been delayed because of rolling stock unavailability.

The Army also has Prithvi missiles in the "333 Missile Group" and the raising of "444 Missile Group" (sometimes referred to as 222 Missile Group) is also nearly complete. But plans to raise more missile groups equipped with Prithvi missiles could be put on hold despite the Bharat Dynamic Limited having put the production on stream.

In contrast to Prithvi, Agni missiles are filled with solid fuel that does not require a large number of vehicles for fuelling the liquid fuel-based Prithvi I and II. The Indian Air Force too has turned down plans to acquire Prithvi II and, for the present, is focussing more on fitting Brahmos missiles, a product of an Indo-Russian joint venture company. Work is on in Russia to strengthen the wings of the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter to accommodate a Brahmos missile under either wing.

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