18 April 2012The Agni range of missiles has been fully developed in India
India is due to test fire a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads.The locally-developed Agni-V missile has a range of more than 5,000km (3,100 miles) and is expected to be launched in the eastern state of Orissa.
Analysts say the Agni (meaning "fire" in Hindi and Sanskrit) missile family is to be the cornerstone of India's missile-based nuclear deterrent.
The missiles are among India's most sophisticated weapons.
In 2010, India successfully test-fired Agni-II, an intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range of more than 2,000km (1,250 miles).
'Game changer'