New DelhiA temporary no-fly zone (NOATAM) notice has been issued by India for a 3,550-kilometer area over the Bay of Bengal from December 17 to December 20. The announcement has sparked intense conjecture regarding the potential test of a significant long-range missile in Chandipur, more than 3,000 kilometers off the coast of Odisha. Interestingly, this is not the first time a NOTAM of this kind has been sent out. An earlier announcement of a similar nature was made, but the planned event was later rescheduled.
This notification represents a substantial expansion in comparison to earlier ones. The designated zones in October and November of 2025 varied from 1,480 kilometers to 3,545 kilometers, despite the cancellation of several scheduled tests. A 3,485-kilometer zone was scheduled for December 1–4 earlier this month, but it was also canceled. The most recent NOTAM for December 17–20 now covers a distance of 3,550 kilometers, raising the prospect of a long-range missile test. Although the government has not officially confirmed it, experts speculate that a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) may be used in the test.
NOTAM: What is it?When a certain airspace needs to be cleared of civilian aircraft, a NOTAM is sent out. In order to prevent passenger planes from being caught in the middle of possible aerial operations, similar notices were sent out during earlier hostilities with Pakistan. By keeping commercial aircraft away from areas of military activity, it helps prevent civilian casualties.
Why is a NOTAM sent out?No civilian aircraft are allowed to fly in the designated airspace after a NOTAM is issued. This eliminates the possibility of mid-air collisions, allowing Air Force aircraft, missiles, and drones to fly freely. The safety of non-combatants is also guaranteed by the lack of civilian flights.
In just five years, DRDO's indigenous research has saved a staggering Rs 2.64 lakh crore.The Defence Research and Development Organization's domestic research efforts have saved an astounding Rs 2,64,156 crore over the past five years, according to a parliamentary panel. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense made this observation in a report that was delivered to Parliament on Tuesday. "Crucial milestones in developing next-generation hypersonic technologies and missiles have been achieved" by the DRDO, according to the committee, both this year and last.
The panel praised the agency for its "various feats" and expressed optimism that it will "continue its successful stride" as it advances India's proficiency in critical and complex defense technologies. "The Committee has also been apprised that DRDO has been able to save an amount of Rs 2,64,156 crore because of its own indigenous research during the last five years," the report continued.