India Announces NOTAM for Missile Test in Bay of Bengal Scheduled for October 2025
India has announced a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) in anticipation of a significant missile test planned for the Bay of Bengal between October 15 and 17, 2025. The specified test area indicates a maximum missile range of 1,480 kilometers, pointing towards a medium- or intermediate-range missile test. This upcoming trial is set to be shorter than the successful long-range Agni-V ICBM test conducted in August 2025.
The forthcoming test is likely to involve missile systems such as Agni-III, Agni-IV, or possibly a new variant currently under development. Defense experts highlight that the 1,480 km range is suitable for operational needs, spanning from tactical to strategic use, and enhancing India's layered missile deterrence strategy.
“The Bay of Bengal has been a preferred maritime test range, offering vast unpopulated zones to ensure safety of sea lanes and air traffic,” defense experts said.
The August Agni-V ICBM test, with its 5,000 km range, represented a significant achievement in India's strategic defense capabilities, notably enhancing its credible second-strike ability. The upcoming trial is anticipated to confirm advancements in missile accuracy, propulsion systems, and warhead delivery efficiency, thereby bolstering operational preparedness.
India's missile program, directed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), is continuously evolving as part of the country's broader defense modernization and indigenous development initiatives.
The issuance of the NOTAM is crucial for ensuring coordinated planning and safety across air and maritime channels, reflecting India's dedication to managed and secure strategic weapons development. Analysts and observers will closely watch the test, evaluating telemetry data and performance metrics to assess advancements in missile technology.
This upcoming missile test highlights India's ongoing efforts to strengthen regional deterrence and demonstrate robust indigenous defense innovation, reinforcing its position as a pivotal strategic entity in global security affairs.
