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Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Indian Air Force to conduct large-scale military drills near India-Pak border in Rajasthan
The Indian Air Force is conducting large-scale military drills along the International Border with Pakistan, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued Tuesday said. The development comes amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack last month. The drills will begin at 9 pm on Wednesday and conclude at 3 am on Friday. Flights operating from airports close to the border will be suspended during this period. All major frontline fighter jets of the IAF will participate in the drills, sources told The Indian Express. This could include Rafale jets, Mirage 2000s, Su-30s, as well as tankers and AWACS. According to the IAF, it is a pre-planned routine training exercise. It will take place in the area of responsibility of the South Western Air Command, which covers the south-western region of India. Officials added that the drills will test the combat readiness of the crew, platforms, and systems in Rajasthan and surrounding areas. The latest exercise comes close on the heels of another major routine air exercise conducted by the IAF last month. In that exercise—Aakraman—the IAF demonstrated operational readiness through complex missions across the central sector using its frontline fighter jets. Pakistan has also been carrying out Exercise INDUS, as part of which it recently conducted a training launch of a FATAH-series surface-to-surface missile, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), as quoted by local media. This was Pakistan's second missile test since the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, Pakistan had claimed it conducted a 'successful' training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile. Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the top military brass at his residence on April 29, where he was quoted as saying that the armed forces have 'complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response' to the Pahalgam terror attack. He has since held one-on-one meetings with Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi and IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh to discuss the current security scenario, the overall preparedness of the forces, and India's retaliatory options.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
IAF's high-intensity border drill, including Rafales and Sukhois from May 7-8; NOTAM issued
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will launch a high-intensity aerial exercise over the desert sector and adjoining areas along the Western border starting Tuesday, ANI reported, citing IAF officials. It will be a two-day mega military exercise. The mock exercise will feature India's airpower, with frontline fighter jets including Rafales, Mirage 2000s, and Sukhoi-30 MKIs.(HT Photo) The timing of the aerial drill coincides with the nationwide civil defence mock exercises to be carried out on May 7. As per IAF officials, the exercise will feature the full spectrum of India's airpower, with frontline fighter jets including Rafales, Mirage 2000s, and Sukhoi-30 MKIs along the International Border in Rajasthan. Also Read | Wartime 'crash blackouts' in May 7 mock drills: What can happen? For this purpose, the government has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a large-scale air exercise along the southern section of the Indo-Pakistan border, PTI reported, citing sources. According to defence sources, the operation aims to assess the IAF's combat preparedness, response time, and coordination under simulated hostile conditions and will involve both day and night flying operations. Also Read | Nationwide civil defence mock drill tomorrow: Will daily services run as usual? Meanwhile, villagers living along the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan's Barmer district voiced their unwavering support for the Indian armed forces and are ready to help the Indian Army in every possible way in case of war. Mock drills for civil defence preparedness The Union Home Ministry on Monday asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance civil defence effectiveness. The measures to be undertaken include the operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens and the training of civilians, students, and others on Civil Defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. Also Read | Pahalgam attack fallout: BJP urges workers, citizens to join May 7 nationwide mock drills amid Pakistan standoff The security exercises come at a time when the country is on heightened alert following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians and deepened tensions with Pakistan. India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack Following the Pahalgam attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and closes the integrated Attari Check Post. India also imposed an immediate ban on the direct or indirect import and transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, regardless of their import status, effectively halting bilateral trade flows, according to a notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
