The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation is preparing to test-fire a new surface-to-surface missile, Agni-II+, before 10 December 2010 after the successful test flight of Agni-1.

The launch will take place from Wheeler Island, off the Orissa coast, India, and preparations will begin in a few days, according to The Hindu.

Agni-II+ is an intermediary between Agni-II and Agni-III, is capable of striking targets at a distance of 2,500-3,000km and can carry nuclear warheads.

The two-stage missile is powered by solid propellants and can be transported by both rail and road.