NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct a major 17-day military exercise along the India-Pakistan international border in Rajasthan, with a NOTAM issued restricting civilian air traffic over designated areas from September 21 to October 7.
The exercise will cover airspace around Jaisalmer, Barmer, Phalodi, Jodhpur and Nala-Bikaner, which will be temporarily reserved for military operations. Fighter aircraft are expected to operate at altitudes of up to around 40,000 feet.
Some of the designated airspace lies close to the international border with Pakistan, with one area reportedly around 20 km from the border. The scale and proximity of the exercise have drawn attention in Pakistan, with reports of increased surveillance along the frontier.
The exercise will also coincide with the multinational Tarang Shakti 2026 air exercise scheduled to be held in Jodhpur. Fighter aircraft from several partner countries, including the US, UK and France, are expected to participate in the multinational drill.
Rafale, Su-30MKI and Tejas to join drill
The IAF is expected to deploy frontline platforms including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000 and Tejas fighters during the exercise. The drills will focus on combat readiness, communication, aerial operations, air-to-air refuelling and night missions.
The exercises are aimed at testing the IAF’s operational preparedness under realistic combat-like conditions and improving coordination during complex air operations.
What is a NOTAM?
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is an official aviation safety alert informing pilots and airlines about temporary restrictions or hazards in specific airspace, including military exercises, missile tests or other activities that could affect flight operations.
The prolonged exercise is expected to provide the IAF with an opportunity to assess its readiness and strengthen capabilities in operating fighter aircraft close to the country’s western frontier.
