India Issues NOTAM for Missile Test in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Likely BrahMos-A
India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a planned missile test in the strategically significant Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The test is scheduled to take place between April 4 and April 10, 2025, with a designated range of 465 kilometers. The nature of the test has led to strong speculation that it may involve the air-launched variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, known as BrahMos-A.
Strategic Location and Timing
The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is a critical defense outpost for India, located near the Malacca Strait—one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. Missile tests in this region are seen as both capability demonstrations and strategic messaging in the context of regional security dynamics.
BrahMos-A: India’s Air-Launched Supersonic Edge
The BrahMos-A is an advanced air-launched variant of the BrahMos missile, co-developed by India and Russia. With a range exceeding 450 kilometers, it is designed to be launched from modified Su-30MKI fighter jets. Over 40 aircraft in the Indian Air Force have been configured to carry the missile, giving India formidable stand-off strike capabilities.
The missile is known for its precision, speed, and versatility—capable of engaging both land and sea targets. Its successful deployment boosts India’s ability to project power across the Indian Ocean Region and deter potential threats.
Implications of the Missile Test
While the NOTAM does not officially identify the missile to be tested, the specified range and geographic location strongly suggest the involvement of BrahMos-A. This test could serve as an operational validation of the missile system in live conditions and may also be tied to upcoming deployment or induction plans.
Such tests not only reinforce India’s deterrence posture but also reflect the country’s ongoing push to modernize its missile arsenal with enhanced accuracy, mobility, and longer strike ranges.
