SOURCE: AFI
On May 17, 2025, India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) designating a no-fly zone around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Andaman Sea, signaling preparations for a likely missile test. The NOTAM, released by the Tri-Service Theatre Command, specifies the restricted area as a corridor stretching 510 km in length, with the test window scheduled between 23 May 2025 at 01:30 UTC and 24 May 2025 at 04:30 UTC.
The designated area, marked in the NOTAM map, extends from the southern tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands into the Andaman Sea, suggesting a maritime or aerial launch platform. Given the geographical layout and the involvement of the Tri-Service Theatre Command, experts speculate that the test could involve a missile launch from a warship or aircraft, potentially testing India’s growing capabilities in long-range precision strike systems.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, strategically located near the Malacca Strait—a critical maritime chokepoint—have often served as a testing ground for India’s missile programs. The 510 km range of the no-fly zone indicates a significant test, possibly involving a cruise missile like the BrahMos or a developmental ballistic missile system.
This test aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to bolster its deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions. The involvement of the Tri-Service Theatre Command, which oversees the Andaman and Nicobar region, underscores the integrated nature of India’s defense strategy, combining naval, air, and land assets.
Aviation and maritime traffic in the region have been advised to avoid the designated area during the test window to ensure safety. The NOTAM, shared by defense analyst Damien Symon (@detresfa_) on X, notes that the representation of locations is approximate and subject to updates or cancellation by authorities.
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