SOURCE: AFI
India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a missile test scheduled between March 12 and March 13, 2025, in the Bay of Bengal, signaling another step forward in its robust missile development program. The designated test area spans 415 kilometers, sparking speculation about the nature of the missile to be tested. Defense analysts suggest two likely candidates: a short-range variant of the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile or the highly anticipated Astra MkIII Gandiva, a very long-range beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) boasting a range of approximately 350 kilometers.
The NOTAM, a standard aviation alert to ensure airspace safety during such exercises, specifies a 415-kilometer corridor over the Bay of Bengal, a frequent testing ground for India’s missile systems. The range falls within the capabilities of both the BrahMos and the Astra MkIII Gandiva, leaving room for speculation about the test’s objectives. The Indian armed forces have remained tight-lipped about specifics, as is typical ahead of such trials, but the designated distance offers clues about the potential systems involved.
Alternatively, the test could mark a significant milestone for the Astra MkIII, recently christened “Gandiva” after the legendary bow of Arjuna from the Mahabharata, symbolizing precision and power. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Astra MkIII is a cutting-edge BVRAAM powered by a solid fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system. This technology enables sustained supersonic speeds (up to Mach 4.5) and an operational range exceeding 340 kilometers under optimal conditions, such as high-altitude launches from 20 kilometers. Posts on X and reports from defense circles indicate the missile weighs just 220 kilograms and offers a snap-up/down capability of ±10 kilometers, making it a lightweight yet formidable addition to India’s air combat arsenal. If this test involves the Gandiva, it could be launched from a Su-30 MKI or even the indigenous Tejas fighter, signaling progress toward its integration into the Indian Air Force.
The 415-kilometer NOTAM range aligns closely with the Astra MkIII’s reported capabilities, particularly if launched at lower altitudes where its range might be slightly reduced. A successful test would position India among a select group of nations with advanced ramjet-powered air-to-air missiles, enhancing its deterrence against aerial threats from adversaries like China and Pakistan. The Gandiva builds on the success of its predecessors, the Astra MkI (80-110 km) and MkII (140-160 km), and reflects India’s push for self-reliance in defense technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.