India has announced a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) establishing a no-fly zone spanning a significant 365 km area over the Bay of Bengal, scheduled for August 22nd and 23rd, 2024. This development strongly suggests an impending missile test.
While the specifics of the missile remain classified, the expansive no-fly zone has fueled speculation regarding the type of missile under evaluation.
One prominent theory is that an air-to-air missile system could be tested, given the relatively smaller area typically associated with such operations. However, the considerable size of the restricted airspace also suggests the possibility of testing a surface-to-surface missile system.
India's missile development program has progressed rapidly in recent times, resulting in the successful creation of a variety of missiles for both offensive and defensive purposes. The upcoming test is likely to represent another stride towards strengthening India's military capabilities.
