India has issued an official notification signalling a likely missile test over the Bay of Bengal, scheduled between December 6 and December 8. As part of the safety measures linked to this operation, authorities have declared a temporary no-fly zone reaching up to 1,480 kilometres. This restricted airspace will remain active from 12:30 UTC on December 6 to 15:30 UTC on December 8, covering a large expanse of the Bay to ensure that both civilian aircraft and maritime traffic remain clear during the planned launch window.
Such advance notices are a routine aspect of India’s missile-testing protocols, aimed at ensuring safe operational conditions. The scale of the no-fly zone suggests the possibility of a long-range test, though officials have not disclosed the type of missile expected to be evaluated.
This notification comes after a year marked by significant advancements in India’s strategic and air-defence capabilities. In July, India successfully conducted three major missile tests within 24 hours, demonstrating rapid progress across multiple systems. These included the nuclear-capable Prithvi-II short-range ballistic missile, the Agni-I missile with its extended reach of up to 700 kilometres, and the next-generation Akash Prime surface-to-air missile.
The Akash Prime test was particularly notable. Conducted at an altitude above 4,500 metres in Ladakh, the trial showcased the system’s ability to function effectively in extreme wind, temperature, and low-oxygen conditions—environments in which few global air-defence systems have been assessed. The upgraded missile, developed by DRDO, integrates the Rajendra radar, a command-and-control centre, and a mobile launcher, and features an indigenous Radio Frequency Seeker for more precise target acquisition. During the trial, Akash Prime successfully intercepted two high-speed aerial targets, reinforcing its role in India’s expanding multi-layered defence architecture.
The July test series also included back-to-back launches of Prithvi-II and Agni-I from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, under the Strategic Forces Command. Both missiles met their expected performance parameters, reaffirming their reliability. Prithvi-II, powered by liquid fuel and designed for a 350-kilometre strike range, is valued for its accuracy, while Agni-I, using solid fuel and capable of reaching up to 700 kilometres, remains a central element of India’s nuclear deterrence posture.
The upcoming Bay of Bengal test is expected to be part of this broader effort to maintain readiness, validate technology, and strengthen India’s overall strategic capabilities. More details will likely emerge once the testing window concludes and officials release formal results.
