India Issues NOTAM for Missile Test in Bay of Bengal: Is Astra MkIII Gandiva or BrahMos on the Launch Pad?

India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a missile test in the Bay of Bengal, scheduled between March 12 and March 13, 2025. The designated test area spans 415 kilometers, sparking speculation about the missile being tested. Defense analysts suggest that it could either be a variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile or the Astra MkIII Gandiva, India’s latest beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).

The NOTAM is a routine alert issued to ensure airspace safety, but the specified test range offers important clues. The 415-kilometer corridor falls within the operational limits of both BrahMos and Astra MkIII, leaving room for speculation. While the Indian armed forces have not disclosed details, the announcement hints at another significant step in India’s missile development efforts.

One strong possibility is the Astra MkIII Gandiva, an advanced BVRAAM developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Named after the legendary bow of Arjuna from the Mahabharata, the Gandiva missile represents precision and power in aerial combat. It is powered by a solid fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) system, enabling sustained supersonic speeds of up to Mach 4.5 and a maximum range of 350 kilometers under ideal conditions. If this test involves the Astra MkIII, it could be launched from platforms like the Su-30MKI or the indigenous Tejas fighter, signaling further progress in its integration into the Indian Air Force.

A successful test of Astra MkIII would place India among a select group of nations possessing long-range air-to-air missiles powered by advanced ramjet technology. This development strengthens India’s deterrence capabilities against aerial threats from adversaries like China and Pakistan. The missile builds upon the success of its predecessors—the Astra MkI (80-110 km) and MkII (140-160 km)—and aligns with India's push for self-reliance in defense technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

With India continuously enhancing its missile arsenal, this upcoming test will be closely watched for what it reveals about the country’s evolving military capabilities.