China’s Yuan Wang 5, a missile tracking vessel, has returned to the Indian Ocean, coinciding with India’s expanded Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) indicating a significant missile test in the Bay of Bengal from October 15 to 17, 2025. This NOTAM extension to 3,550 kilometers suggests the testing of a long-range strategic asset, likely from the Agni series, crucial for India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities amid border tensions with China. The presence of both Yuan Wang 5 and a U.S. research vessel raises concerns over intelligence gathering in the region. This scenario underscores the escalating geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting India’s commitment to enhancing its strategic capabilities while countering potential Chinese surveillance and assertiveness.