New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to carry out major aerial exercises along the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan on May 7 and 8, signalling enhanced operational readiness amid growing national security concerns.
The Ministry of Defence has issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), confirming that the drills will be conducted along the international border as part of routine combat preparedness measures. The exercises will feature frontline fighter aircraft including Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi-30 jets.
🇮🇳🇵🇰 JUST IN: India has issued a NOTAM for a large section of airspace near the southern Pakistan border, effective from 3:30 PM (Delhi time) on April 7 and lasting 18 hours.
❗Although a rendering error in the polygon shape in the image makes it appear as if the NOTAM crosses… pic.twitter.com/QALROyx8p8
— MoLo44🎖️ (@MoloOSINT) May 6, 2025
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As per the schedule, the exercise will begin at 3:30 PM on May 7 and conclude at 9:30 PM on May 8. During this time, flight operations—both landings and takeoffs—will be suspended at airports close to the border region to facilitate smooth conduct of the manoeuvres.
Additionally, civil defence mock drills are being conducted across multiple cities nationwide. This marks the first large-scale civilian preparedness initiative since the 1971 Indo-Pak war, underscoring the government’s renewed focus on strategic readiness.
The drills come at a time when calls are intensifying within India to deliver a strong response to cross-border threats and seek a conclusive resolution to the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir issue.