ISLAMABAD: India has reportedly issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)designating restricted airspace over parts of the Bay of Bengal and aroundthe Andaman and Nicobar Islands, indicating a probable missile testscheduled between November 25 and 27, 2025. The warning, which establishesa no-fly zone in a corridor extending from the strategic archipelago, hasdrawn attention to New Delhi’s continuing efforts to enhance its long-rangestrike capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
Defence analysts interpret the NOTAM as preparation for testing asophisticated missile system, potentially an extended-range variant of theBrahMos supersonic cruise missile or a ballistic missile with anti-ship orland-attack roles. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, home to India’s onlytri-service command, serve as a critical forward base overlooking vital sealanes, including the Malacca Strait. Such tests from this location allowIndia to demonstrate power projection far from its mainland while refiningweapons that could target naval assets or coastal installations overhundreds of kilometres.
The timing of the exercise coincides with persistent tensions in South Asiaand growing competition in the Indo-Pacific. Pakistan views thesedevelopments with concern, as the archipelago’s militarisation and frequentmissile trials contribute to an arms imbalance and escalate the risk ofmiscalculation during crises. Islamabad has repeatedly called for restraintand transparency in missile testing to prevent destabilisation, emphasisingthat unilateral advancements undermine strategic stability.
From a broader perspective, the test underscores India’s ambition to assertdominance in maritime domains contested by extra-regional powers. While NewDelhi frames such activities as routine and defensive, they invariablyprompt vigilance from neighbouring states reliant on secure sea routes.Observers note that similar NOTAMs in recent years have preceded successfulBrahMos and other indigenous missile firings, reflecting the rapidmaturation of India’s defence industry.
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Source: https://idrw.org (Indian Defence Research Wing reports on similarNOTAMs); www.thehindu.com”>https://www.thehindu.com (archived defence updates)