India conducted the maiden test of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile off the Odisha coast

India conducted the maiden test of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile off the Odisha coast

¨   India conducted the maiden test of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) off the Odisha coast on 8 May 2026.

¨     The launch took place from Abdul Kalam Island near Chandipur.

¨   The missile test involved a danger corridor of around 3,560 km over the Bay of Bengal.

¨    An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a long-range ballistic missile with a range exceeding 5,500 km.

¨     ICBMs are designed to deliver conventional or nuclear warheads across intercontinental distances and follow a ballistic trajectory after powered flight.

¨     Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island, is a major missile testing site off the Odisha coast.

¨    The island is located near Chandipur and is associated with the Integrated Test Range of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

¨     India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for the Bay of Bengal region from 6 May to 9 May 2026 ahead of the launch.

¨ The missile test followed the maiden flight trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation glide weapon system conducted off the Odisha coast on 7 May 2026.