India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting airspace usage between July 17 and 26, 2024, raising speculations about a potential missile test.
The designated area encompasses the 'AD Launch Site' in West Bengal and the APJ Abdul Kalam Island launch pad off the coast of Odisha, suggesting a possible test of the AD-1 Interceptor missile, a key component of India's Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Phase-II program.
The inclusion of both launch sites in the NOTAM indicates the possibility of interceptor and target missile launches from separate locations.
While official confirmation regarding the specific missile being tested is pending, the use of two launch pads strengthens the possibility of a BMD-related test. The AD-1 Interceptor is designed to neutralize incoming ballistic missiles at high altitudes.
This development comes as India continues to strengthen its missile defence capabilities. The BMD program is a multi-layered system intended to protect the country from potential ballistic missile threats.
