Flight-path restrictions over the Bay of Bengal as India prepares for a possible long-range missile test (Photo: X | NOTAM)
India has once again issued a fresh set of airspace restrictions, signalling upcoming high-level military activity in the Bay of Bengal. The notification, active from December 6 to 8, outlines a no-fly zone stretching up to 1,480 kilometres, pointing toward a likely missile test.
This development follows a spate of NOTAM alerts across Indian airspace over the past few months, particularly around Mumbai and the western frontier, to underscore increasing strategic preparedness.
The latest warning comes after a series of NOTAMs issued during October-November as the country geared up for a spate of major military drills including the tri-services Exercise Trishul near the Pakistan border.
Defence observers say that recurring warnings about GPS interference around Delhi and Mumbai hint at the deployment of advanced electronic warfare or navigation-testing equipment. The range of the coming no-fly zone strongly suggests India is planning to test a long-range, high-speed missile system, says an analyst.
NOTAM is an aeronautical advisory issued whenever there is any change to airspace conditions that may affect flight safety. The alerts may relate to hazards, temporary restrictions, military exercises, equipment failure or changes to infrastructure.
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For pilots and airlines, the NOTAMs provide important real-time information that allows routes, altitudes or schedules to be changed as necessary. A recent spate of NOTAMs in India indicates increasing operational activity at a time when the region remains highly sensitive.
The country achieved a significant milestone this September when it tested the Agni Prime missile from a rail-based launcher in Odisha. This rail-mobile capability puts India in an elite club of few countries with state of the art, survivable launch platforms.
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The Agni Prime test fulfilled all mission objectives and reinforced India's objective of diversifying deployment methods for its strategic arsenal. According to sources, the NOTAM for December could be for follow-up developmental trials.
Recent NOTAMs have also covered the entire Northeast, reflecting India's increased focus on bolstering readiness along borders with China, Myanmar, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Exercise Trishul, held near the contentious Sir Creek region, has added to speculation about rising alert levels. With several NOTAM windows scheduled well into November and December, it's plain that India's military is fine-tuning its capabilities across multiple theatres.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and expert analysis. It should not be interpreted as an official statement or confirmation of military activity.
