India is ready to export missiles to countries whose names are cleared by the government, Government, in principle, is in favour of exports of missiles, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is in a position to meet such sale orders.

Though it is not clear the missiles which could be offered in world market but sources said that India could place Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile Brahmos and recently tested surface-to-air Akash for sale.

Countries are looking at Indian products like missile systems and at a recent export exhibition several nations had come and discussed prospects,Referring to the air-to-air beyond visual range Astra missile, he said the missile would undergo ground testing later this year and would subsequently be integrated with the Sukhoi multi-role fighter by 2009-10.

More tests would be undertaken of India's longest range surface-to-surface nuclear capable 3,500 km range Agni III missile.

DRDO is in preparedness to meet the exports since the missile systems are in production for India's own defence needs and can be delivered whenever these countries ask, Prahalada said.

No doubt there have been delays but in any such complex system in the world for instance surface to air missile system the Barak missile from Israel or the Patriot missile from the US took 20 years to develop, the defence scientist said.

The Brahmos supersonic cruise missile took just five years to develop and Astra perhaps will take about six to seven years, he said. "The post-Pokhran export controls and sanctions also added to the delays