India Issues NOTAM Ahead of Large-Scale Air Exercise Near Pakistan Border Amid Rising Tensions
The Indian government has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting airspace usage along the southern segment of its border with Pakistan on May 7 and 8, geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon said on Tuesday. The NOTAM signals the likelihood of a significant air exercise by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during this period.
While the Ministry of Defence has not officially released details about the upcoming drill, the issuance of a NOTAM typically precedes major military aviation activity. According to Symon, such notices are strong indicators of large-scale aerial operations, suggesting that the Indian Air Force may be planning high-intensity exercises involving frontline assets in the border region.
This development comes in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Though no group has officially claimed responsibility, Indian officials have hinted at possible cross-border involvement, which has led to a spike in military preparedness across sensitive zones.
On April 25, India conducted a similar high-profile military drill that featured its frontline fighter jets, including Rafale and Su-30MKI aircraft. Dubbed “Aakraman” (Attack), the exercise tested the IAF’s strike capabilities in varied terrains such as mountainous and desert regions. The drill included deep-strike simulations, precision targeting of long-range objectives, and coordination between multiple squadrons—all under the close supervision of senior Air Force leadership. Elite pilots carried out advanced maneuvers, extended-range sorties, and ground strike simulations, showcasing India’s rapid-response capabilities in a potential conflict scenario.
The Indian Navy also demonstrated its combat readiness during the April exercise, with a series of operations designed to test joint-force interoperability and maritime strike capability. These military activities are part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its deterrence posture along its western frontier.
In a broader move to bolster national preparedness, the government is also planning to conduct the first nationwide civil defence drill since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Scheduled to take place at 259 locations across 33 states and union territories, the civil defence exercise aims to familiarize civilians with emergency protocols and enhance response capabilities during wartime or national emergencies. Officials say the drill will include evacuation simulations, shelter-building exercises, and public awareness campaigns.
With geopolitical tensions simmering and recent attacks fuelling concerns of further escalation, the timing and scale of these military and civil exercises underscore India’s strategic focus on readiness and resilience across both its armed forces and civilian infrastructure.
