Asserting that India's missile tests are meant to create adequate deterrence and not aimed against any country, Defence Minister A K Antony on Saturday said scientists will decide how many more launches of the Agni-III were needed to make the missile operational.

"These kinds of tests will continue," Antony told media persons after visiting the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bangalore when asked if India had the political will to proceed to the next level of missile tests.

The successful test on Thursday of the nuclear-capable Agni-III, which has the ability to hit targets 3,000 km away, showed that Indian scientists had 'matured enough and whenever necessity arises, we can have missiles of whatever capacity needed for the country,' he said.

Antony said the induction of Agni-I and Agni-II missiles into the armed forces would be done in a 'reasonable time' and there would not be any 'unnecessary delay.'

The failed maiden test of Agni-III nine months ago had not deterred scientists. "The scientists have produced results. It is excellent...up to the point," he said.

Responding to a question on India's 'threat perceptions' in the region, particularly from China, Antony said the 'border situation is much better' when compared to the past.

Relations with neighbouring countries were better and dialogue will continue to find solutions to existing problems, he said.

While India is trying to improve relations with its immediate and distant neighbours and other nations, it could not ignore 'developments around us,' he said.

Countries were modernising their armed forces very fast and eternal vigilance was needed to safeguard the nation's unity and integrity. India is preparing a plan for modernising its armed forces, he said.

On the requirement of 126 fighter jets for the IAF, he said the Request for Proposal to be sent out to aircraft manufacturers is being finalised.

"Once ready, we will release it. But it would not take much time. We are committed to buying the 126 jets. Additional requirements of the IAF will be met," he said.

Asked about the IAF's demand for creating an aerospace command, Antony said there was a proposal and the government was studying it.

On using the army to tackle the threat from Maoists, he said Naxalism was a 'real threat but I am not for the direct involvement of the armed forces in meeting it.'