SOURCE: AFI
India has recently issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a military firing exercise scheduled to take place from January 15 to January 17, 2025, around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This exercise will cover a designated range of approximately 370 kilometers, indicating the potential test of a significant missile system.
While the specifics of the missile to be tested remain undisclosed, experts and observers speculate that it could be the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. BrahMos, known for its versatility, can be launched from warships or fighter jets, enhancing India’s strategic capabilities in the region. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, provide an ideal setting for such tests due to their strategic position near critical maritime routes like the Malacca Strait.
The exact nature of the test – whether it will involve a warship or an air-launched platform – remains speculative. However, given the historical context, there’s a likelihood of either or both scenarios being utilized. Air launches could involve the Su-30MKI fighter jets, which have been integrated with BrahMos missiles, offering an extended range and strategic advantage.