NOTAM Issued for Missile Firing at Andaman and Nicobar Islands in January 2025

The Indian government has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for missile firing operations scheduled to take place in the vicinity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. According to the notification, the exercise will occur between January 19, 2025, at 06:00 AM IST and January 20, 2025, at 05:00 PM IST. The designated range for this operation extends up to 405 kilometers into the Bay of Bengal, indicating a significant missile testing or training activity.

Key Details of the NOTAM

• Dates and Times: The exercise will span two days, beginning in the early morning hours of January 19 and concluding by late afternoon on January 20, 2025.

• Location: The missile firing will occur in the vicinity of the strategically significant Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which serve as India’s easternmost military outpost.

• Range: The designated area for the exercise extends up to 405 kilometers into the Bay of Bengal. This range suggests that the activity involves a medium- to long-range missile system.

Strategic Implications

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands play a critical role in India’s maritime security architecture, offering strategic oversight of key shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Conducting missile tests in this area reinforces India's military readiness and signals its commitment to safeguarding national interests in the region.

Possible Missile Systems

While the specific missile system to be tested has not been disclosed, the range of 405 kilometers suggests it could involve one of the following:

• BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile: With its advanced strike capabilities and ranges of up to 450 kilometers in its latest versions, the BrahMos is a likely candidate for such tests.

• Pralay Short-Range Ballistic Missile: Designed for precision strikes within a 350–500 kilometer range, Pralay aligns well with the specified range of the NOTAM.

• Longer-Range Variants: The test could also involve experimental or upgraded systems, given India’s focus on enhancing missile technology to counter emerging threats.

Safety Measures and International Protocols

India adheres to strict safety measures and international norms during missile testing. The issuance of a NOTAM ensures that air and maritime traffic in the designated area are informed well in advance, allowing for route adjustments to avoid potential hazards. Additionally, Indian authorities coordinate with relevant agencies to secure the area and minimize risks to civilian and commercial operations.

Broader Context

This missile test is part of India's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and assert its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Recent developments, including heightened tensions in the region and increased maritime activity, underscore the strategic importance of such exercises. By leveraging its capabilities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India can monitor and respond to activities in the Strait of Malacca and other critical chokepoints.

Conclusion

The upcoming missile firing exercise near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands highlights India’s focus on strengthening its defense capabilities and ensuring maritime security. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, such initiatives underscore the country’s readiness to address emerging challenges and maintain stability in the Indian Ocean Region.