SOURCE: AFI
India has announced its intentions to begin the New Year with a significant display of its military capabilities by issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a long-range missile test in the Bay of Bengal/Indian Ocean Region. The designated area for the flight path and the anticipated impact point hint at the possibility of testing the Agni-5MkII, a land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) equipped with Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs). The NOTAM is effective from January 5, 2025, through January 7, 2025.
The NOTAM covers a vast expanse over the Bay of Bengal, suggesting a test that could span a considerable range, possibly over 3,500 kilometers. This distance aligns with the capabilities of the Agni-5 series, known for its strategic reach. The Agni-5MkII, if indeed the missile in question, would mark a significant advancement in India’s missile technology, particularly with the integration of MIRV technology. This allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads, each capable of hitting a separate target, thereby enhancing India’s strategic deterrence.
The Agni-5MkII, with its MIRV capability, represents a leap forward in India’s defense sector. The integration of MIRVs means that potential adversaries must contend with a more complex defense scenario, where multiple threats can originate from a single missile launch. This test is part of India’s broader strategy to bolster its missile defense systems, including advancements in anti-ballistic missile capabilities, satellite surveillance, and the development of other indigenous missile systems.
While the specifics of international reactions have not been detailed, such tests historically draw attention from neighboring countries and global powers alike. China and Pakistan, in particular, monitor India’s missile tests closely due to regional strategic balances. The United States, Russia, and other nations with vested interests in the stability of the Indo-Pacific region will likely observe this test with keen interest, evaluating its implications for regional security dynamics.