India Successfully Tests Maiden Nuclear-Capable ICBM off Odisha Coast on 8 May 2026

May 09, 2026

Q5: What was the danger corridor length?
About 3,560 km over the Bay of Bengal.

Q6: What is a NOTAM?
A Notice to Airmen. It is an aviation notice for temporary airspace restrictions and flight safety.

Q7: Who manages India’s strategic deterrence?
The Nuclear Command Authority.

Q8: What other weapon was tested a day before?
The Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) glide weapon system on 7 May 2026.

Event: Maiden test of nuclear-capable ICBM by India
Date: 8 May 2026
Location: Abdul Kalam Island (formerly Wheeler Island), near Chandipur, Odisha
Range of ICBM: More than 5,500 km (intercontinental distance)
Danger corridor: 3,560 km over Bay of Bengal
Pre-launch notice: NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) from 6 to 9 May 2026
Previous test (7 May 2026): Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) glide weapon system
ICBM definition: Long-range ballistic missile designed for nuclear or conventional warheads; follows ballistic trajectory
Abdul Kalam Island named after: Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (former President and scientist)
Organisation behind tests: DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) – Integrated Test Range
Strategic authority: Nuclear Command Authority
Ballistic missile classification by range: ICBM is the longest range category