Indian Military to Hold Live-Fire Drills off Goa: What You Should Know
The Indian Navy put out a notice, NOTMAR 989/25, saying they’re going to have a big live-fire exercise off the coast of Mormugao, Goa, on November 25 and 26, 2025. For two days straight, Indian military planes will be doing air-to-sea gunnery and missile training. This turns a big part of the Arabian Sea into an area where it’s not safe to go.
The maritime notice, which came out on November 21, 2025, says that the firing will happen between 0230 UTC and 1130 UTC each day. During this time, all ships—whether they’re for business, fishing, or just passing through—need to stay far away and avoid going anywhere near the coordinates that have been marked off.
The dangerous area is shaped like a four-sided zone and covers a large area offshore. Here are the points that mark its boundaries:
14°55’N, 072°26’E
14°34’N, 071°28’E
16°13’N, 071°27’E
15°53’N, 072°26’E
This area to the west of Goa is often used for India’s aerial gunnery and naval exercises. But this particular notice means there will be a lot of activity with real ammunition.
Maritime officials have said that going into this zone could be very dangerous. It’s hard to know where missiles might go, where aircraft might be shooting, and where debris might fall during these kinds of drills.
The warning will automatically end on November 26, 2025, at 1230 UTC. After that, regular sea traffic can start up again.
To give some context, the Indian Navy regularly conducts these exercises to maintain readiness and to test weapon systems. These drills make sure that the naval forces are prepared for any possible situations and that they can respond quickly if needed. The location off the coast of Goa is a good choice because it offers a safe and controlled space for these kinds of activities. The Navy makes sure to issue warnings like NOTMAR 989/25 to keep everyone in the area safe.
The specific types of aircraft and missiles that will be used in the exercise haven’t been revealed, but it’s likely that they will involve a mix of fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft, and possibly helicopters. The missiles could include anti-ship missiles and air-to-air missiles, depending on the goals of the exercise. The gunnery practice will probably involve the aircraft firing at targets on the water, which helps pilots practice their accuracy and targeting skills.
For local fishermen and commercial shipping companies, these kinds of notices are very important. They need to plan their routes carefully to avoid the area during the exercise times. Ignoring these warnings could lead to serious accidents, including damage to ships or even injuries to people on board. The Navy works with local maritime authorities to spread the word about these exercises and to make sure that everyone is aware of the risks.
In addition to the immediate safety concerns, these exercises also have a wider impact on the region. They send a message that India is serious about protecting its maritime interests and that it is ready to use its military power if needed. This can help to deter potential threats and to maintain stability in the area. The Indian Navy also works with other countries in the region to conduct joint exercises and to share information, which helps to build trust and cooperation.
Overall, the upcoming live-fire exercise off the coast of Goa is a big event that has implications for both local communities and the wider region. By issuing clear warnings and working with maritime authorities, the Indian Navy is taking steps to make sure that the exercise is conducted safely and witho
ut causing any harm to others.
