SOURCE: AFI
India has issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) signaling an upcoming missile test slated to occur from April 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM IST to April 12, 2025, at 4:30 PM IST. The designated test zone spans a range of 475 kilometers, sparking speculation about the nature of the missile system set to be evaluated. This announcement, made on March 29, 2025, underscores India’s ongoing efforts to bolster its missile capabilities, a critical component of its defense strategy in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
The NOTAM, a standard aviation alert designed to ensure airspace safety by notifying pilots of potential hazards, outlines a restricted area covering 475 kilometers. While the exact location—whether over land or sea—remains unspecified in public disclosures, the range provides key clues about the missile in question. The test window, spanning four days, suggests a comprehensive evaluation, possibly involving multiple launches or a complex flight profile to assess performance under varying conditions.
India’s missile tests are typically conducted from sites like the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha, or over the Bay of Bengal, with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands occasionally serving as a proving ground for longer-range systems. The 475-kilometer range aligns with several operational and developmental missile systems in India’s arsenal, fueling discussions among defense analysts about what might be on the launch pad.
The 475-kilometer range narrows the field to a handful of candidates, with two prominent possibilities emerging: the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile or the Astra Mk-III Gandiva air-to-air missile. The BrahMos, a joint Indo-Russian venture, is renowned for its speed (Mach 3) and versatility, with an air-launched variant (BrahMos-A) boasting a range of over 450 kilometers following India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016. A test in this range could involve validating an upgraded version or integrating it with a new platform, such as the Indian Navy’s fighter jets or additional IAF aircraft beyond the Su-30 MKI.
Alternatively, the Astra Mk-III Gandiva, an advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is another contender. With a reported range exceeding 300 kilometers in earlier iterations and ongoing enhancements to push it further, a 475-kilometer test could mark a significant milestone in its evolution. Designed to arm IAF fighters like the Tejas and Rafale, the Astra Mk-III aims to rival global systems like the Meteor, and this test might demonstrate its extended reach or improved guidance systems.
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