India issues multiple NOTAM in Bay of Bengal region

New Delhi, Apr 5 : India has issued Notices to Airmen ( NOTAM ) in this month, dating from Apr 8 to 16 for launch of an experimental flight vehicle in Bay of Bengal. Reports suggest that there are going to be four missile tests during this period.

 

 

 

 

The NOTAM issued for the coming period of Apr 8 to 16, in the Bay of Bengal region will cover the launches of four missiles that have been labelled as experimental. Usually, the term 'experimental' is referred particularly to the missiles that are under development.

 

 

According to IDRW, designated areas that have been notified for all four experimental tests are different but the missile that is likely to be tested might be of the same type as developmental trials usually cover a full spectrum of different ranges and altitudes that are required before a new missile system is cleared for production.

 

 

 

 

As per the Airports Authority of India (AAI), NOTAM or Notice to Airmen are notices distributed by means of telecommunication containing information concerning the establishment, condition or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedure or hazard, the timely knowledge of which is essential to personnel concerned with flight operations.

 

 

Recently, a practice version of an unarmed BrahMos supersonic missile was launched into Pakistani territory, accidentally, during an inspection at a secret satellite base of the Indian Air Force. Pakistan had raised questions about the incident particularly because India had not issued any NOTAM for the launch. The Indian Ministry of Defence had responded saying that India regrets the act and cleared that the accidental firing was caused by a technical malfunction in the course of routine maintenance.