New Delhi, Sep 04: The Indian Air Force is all set to conduct a 17-day massive exercise in the airspace of Rajasthan, which borders India and Pakistan, and has issued an official NOTAM in this regard. Concerned about the massive military exercise to be held from September 21 to October 7, Pakistan’s Defense Ministry has called an emergency meeting and ordered its forces to be on high alert along the Line of Control and the international border.
Reserved areas: Civil aircraft movement has been restricted in the area of Jaisalmer, Barmer, Phalodi, Jodhpur and Nala-Bikaner air bases and the airspace has been temporarily completely reserved.
Flying at an altitude of 40 thousand feet: Only fighter aircraft are allowed to fly in this area up to an altitude of about 40 thousand feet.
Close-border exercise: One of the identified zones is just 20 km from Pakistan’s international border. This has the Pakistan Army in deep worry.
Tension and emergency meeting in Pakistan
Attachment to Army Chief: Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Staff’s Office and the Defence Ministry have held an emergency meeting as India’s NOTAM was issued.
Vigilance heightened: Pakistan has activated its radar stations to detect any movement of Indian fighter jets and deployed more air defence forces along the border.
Multinational exercise: The 17-day war game will coincide with the multinational air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti 2026’ scheduled in Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12.
Global Air Force Involvement: Advanced fighter jets from several allies including the US, Britain and France are likely to participate in this joint exercise, showcasing intense dogfights and aerial combat techniques.
What is NOTAM?: It is a safety alert notice that alerts pilots and civil airlines about danger zones, missile tests or military exercises.
India’s air readiness test: Rafale, Sukhoi-30MQI, Mirage-2000 and Tejas light combat aircraft will fly continuously in this exercise, proving their communication, refuelling and night operation capabilities in a realistic combat situation.