India Issues NOTAM Warning of 1,480 km for Missile Test in Bay of Bengal Between October 15–17

India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing a temporary no-fly zone over the Bay of Bengal, indicating preparations for a likely missile test later this month. The NOTAM is valid from October 15 to October 17, 2025, covering a launch window that points toward a possible trial of an advanced missile system by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

According to the details, the designated area stretches southeast from India’s eastern coast into the Bay of Bengal, starting from the Abdul Kalam Island, India’s main missile test site off the coast of Odisha. The restricted zone extends approximately 1,480 kilometers, suggesting that the test may involve a long-range or intermediate-range ballistic missile. The NOTAM period begins at 12:30 UTC on October 15 and ends at 15:30 UTC on October 17, giving a three-day window for the test.

While the notice does not specify which missile system will be tested, the range and trajectory pattern suggest it could be India’s Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM) — a hypersonic weapon currently being developed by the DRDO. The project represents a major step in India’s efforts to enhance its long-range precision strike and maritime warfare capabilities. Analysts believe the test could mark a developmental trial of this advanced system, designed to target high-value enemy naval assets at extended ranges.

The Bay of Bengal has long been India’s designated missile testing corridor, chosen for its wide open space and minimal risk to civilian air or sea traffic. Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island, serves as the launch point for almost all major strategic missile trials conducted by DRDO and the Indian Armed Forces.

The timing of this NOTAM, with its extended duration and long-range coverage, indicates a major test rather than a routine short-range exercise. It also reflects India’s consistent efforts to enhance its deterrence posture amid a rapidly evolving regional security environment in the Indo-Pacific.