India Issues NOTAM over Bay of Bengal, Signaling Possible Missile Test

India has declared a large no-fly zone over the Bay of Bengal between April 21 and 24, 2024, strongly indicating an upcoming missile test.

The extensive 980-kilometer trajectory outlined in the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) suggests a possible test of a long-range missile system.

Potential Test​

While official sources remain tight-lipped due to national security concerns, experts point to the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) as the leading contender.

The ITCM, designed for long-range deterrence, is a sub-sonic cruise missile project undertaken by India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

Alternative Possibility​

The extended-range BrahMos-ER missile could also be involved in the test given the vast airspace designated for the no-fly zone.

Strategic Context​

News of the potential missile test comes amid increased activity by Chinese spy ships in the strategic Indian Ocean region surrounding the Indian coast.

While it's impossible to speculate on the exact reasons for the test without further information, the timing suggests
a connection to regional geopolitical tensions.

Conclusion​

India's missile programs are often shrouded in secrecy. More details about the specific missile type and the test's purpose may be released in official statements after the test is completed.

 

[Out_for_vendetta]

Friends, isn't ITCM a variant of Nirbhay ? I know the Nirbhay engine faces problems repeatedly during previous launches, so is there a different engine being used for ITCM or are we going with the same engine, with some tweaks ?
Also haven't heard about LRLACM for a long time now.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Chinese Monitoring Vessels: Research Hobe!!

 

[Sir Capt]

Watch out for little yellow boats.

 

[Frank]

Great

Ukraine Russia war shows we need cheap mass produced cruise missiles in high numbers

 

[Sandeep]

Friends, isn't ITCM a variant of Nirbhay ? I know the Nirbhay engine faces problems repeatedly during previous launches, so is there a different engine being used for ITCM or are we going with the same engine, with some tweaks ?
Also haven't heard about LRLACM for a long time now.

The ITCM will use a indigenously designed and developed small turbo fan engine.

 

[Sandeep]

India has to play smart and not allow China to track every missile test we take. We should also give out many false NOTAM regularly at different locations and range in the Indian Ocean which will make it hard to actually track the real test.