SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
On March 7, 2024, India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a large no-fly zone encompassing areas over the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean region. This NOTAM, effective on March 13, 2024, designates a restricted airspace spanning 3,550 kilometers, hinting at a possible missile test.
While the specific details of the test are not officially confirmed, experts speculate that it could involve either the Agni-V Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) or the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
The Agni-V, with a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers, is India’s most advanced ICBM and a crucial element of the country’s strategic deterrence capability. The K-4, meanwhile, is a nuclear-capable missile designed for launch from submarines, providing India with a sea-based strategic second-strike capability.
India routinely conducts missile tests over designated areas in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, adhering to international safety protocols and informing relevant authorities and maritime users beforehand through NOTAMs. These tests are vital for validating the operational readiness and technological advancement of India’s missile arsenal.