![](https://bharatshakti.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LT-BSI-Defence.gif")
India is preparing to conduct a long-range missile test over the Bay of Bengal, with a no-fly zone of 3,550 kilometres now in place. The test is scheduled for October 15 to 17, attracting global attention from defence analysts due to the rapid increase in the declared range of the test zone over the past few days.
The Indian government issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Maritime Security Notification, outlining a “danger area” across a broad stretch of the eastern seaboard. While the missile type has not been officially confirmed, it is widely speculated to be part of the Agni series, India’s family of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles.
Test Range Expanded Three Times in 72 Hours
India’s latest NOTAM, released on October 6, initially marked a test range of 1,480 kilometers. It was revised the next day to 2,520 kilometres, then expanded again within 24 hours to 3,550 kilometres. Such range adjustments have led experts to believe the upcoming launch could involve a missile with a far more extended reach than initially anticipated.
The Agni missile series includes systems with ranges from 700 to over 5,000 kilometres. India most recently tested the Agni-Prime on September 25, a 2,000-kilometre-range missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and operated by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
Chinese and U.S. Surveillance Ships in Region
As India readies the test, reports suggest both Chinese and American surveillance ships are tracking activity in the Indian Ocean. The Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5, known for its missile tracking capabilities, has left Port Klang in Malaysia and is believed to be heading toward the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, the U.S. ship Ocean Titan has also been active near India’s western coast.
Such deployments are often used to gather data on missile trajectories and system performance, and are common during weapons testing by major regional powers.
What is the Strategic Context
Though no details about the missile system to be tested have been announced, however, the recent pattern of range expansion and the presence of monitoring ships point to a trial of a high-range platform. While India maintains a policy of credible minimum deterrence, developments like this one often reflect broader goals tied to security planning and regional deterrence posture.
Observers in defence circles will be watching the test window closely in the days ahead.
Team BharatShakti
