India Extends Missile Test NOTAM to 3,500 km, Launch Between October 15–17

India has extended its latest Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to a range of 3,500 kilometres for a possible missile test scheduled between October 15 and 17 in the Bay of Bengal, sparking widespread speculation that a new generation of long-range missile technology may be under trial. Earlier versions of the NOTAM reportedly covered 1,480 km, then were revised to 2,500 km, and now to the 3,500 km corridor. This progressive increase in range has drawn attention among analysts to the nature of the missile(s) that might be tested, the trajectory and safety corridors involved, and India’s strategic intentions.

The notified area aligns with India’s established missile testing corridor, originating from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast and extending deep into the southern Indian Ocean. This vast stretch is routinely used by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for testing India’s long-range strategic and experimental missile systems, ensuring that flight paths remain clear of civilian air and maritime traffic.

The gradual expansion of the NOTAM range has led defence analysts to believe that India may be preparing to test either an improved variant of the Agni series missile or a hypersonic glide vehicle under development. Both possibilities align with India’s ongoing efforts to enhance its strategic deterrence capabilities and adopt cutting-edge propulsion, guidance, and re-entry technologies.

The Agni series, which forms the backbone of India’s nuclear deterrent, has evolved significantly over the past decade. The most recent variant, Agni-V, has a range of over 5,000 km and features composite motor casings and advanced navigation systems. A new version under testing could integrate MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) technology or advanced maneuverable reentry vehicles capable of evading modern missile defence systems.

Alternatively, experts point to the possibility of a hypersonic test, as India has been developing systems capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5 under its long-term hypersonic weapons program. A boost-glide vehicle, launched atop a ballistic booster, could travel thousands of kilometres while gliding at hypersonic speeds — making detection and interception extremely difficult. The extended NOTAM corridor, covering a trajectory of 3,500 km into the southern seas, fits the profile of such a test.

While Indian authorities have not made any official announcement, the issuance of multiple NOTAMs in short succession indicates that preparations are at an advanced stage. The Indian Navy typically deploys ships in designated impact zones in the southern Indian Ocean to track reentry or terminal phase data during such missions, further reinforcing the likelihood of an imminent test.

If confirmed, this would mark one of India’s most significant missile trials in recent years, showcasing its steady progress toward next-generation technologies in both strategic deterrence and hypersonic flight. It also comes amid a period of heightened global competition in advanced missile development, with major powers like the United States, China, and Russia already fielding or testing hypersonic systems.

The upcoming test window between October 15 and 17 will therefore be closely watched by defence observers worldwide. Whether the launch involves a modified Agni platform or a new hypersonic glide missile, India appears poised to demonstrate yet another leap in its long-range strike and technological capabilities.