Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 4: India is set to conduct a major 17-day combat exercise near the Pakistan border from September 21 to October 7, prompting heightened surveillance and preparedness on the Pakistani side.
The Indian Air Force has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) reserving large stretches of airspace in the Jaisalmer-Barmer-Phalodi-Jodhpur sector for military activities during the exercise period. Airspace near NAL-Bikaner has also been temporarily restricted.
The reserved airspace extends up to around 40,000 feet, with one of the designated areas reportedly located around 20 km from the international border with Pakistan.
The development has reportedly triggered an emergency meeting among senior Pakistani defence officials to review the situation. The matter has also been brought to the attention of Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, according to media reports.
Pakistani security forces have increased surveillance along the border and are monitoring Indian Air Force movements, with officials maintaining a heightened state of preparedness during the exercise period.
A NOTAM is an aviation safety notification issued to alert aircraft operators about temporary changes, restrictions or hazards affecting airspace. Such notices are commonly issued during military exercises, weapons trials and other activities requiring temporary airspace restrictions.
The exercise is expected to overlap with Tarang Shakti 2026, the Indian Air Force’s multinational air exercise scheduled in Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12.
The multinational exercise is expected to involve air forces from several countries and focus on air-combat drills, operational training, coordination and interoperability.
The back-to-back exercises are likely to result in sustained fighter jet activity along the India-Pakistan border through September and into October.
The exercises will provide the IAF an opportunity to test operational procedures, deployment patterns and readiness under realistic conditions, while also strengthening coordination with participating foreign air forces.
Given the sensitivity of military activity along the India-Pakistan frontier, the developments are expected to be closely monitored by both countries.