New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a major operational drill starting today (July 23) and continuing through July 25. The drill will be conducted in Rajasthan, covering areas between Barmer and Jodhpur, close to the India-Pakistan border.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to alert civilian aircraft to avoid the designated airspace during the exercise. Officials said that the drill is part of routine operational readiness training and could involve coordination between two or three IAF commands.
Focus on strategic preparedness
The exercise will include frontline fighter jets such as the Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi-30. It will also involve air defence systems and support aircraft. Night-time operations will also be part of the training, aimed at sharpening the force’s all-weather combat readiness.
News reports quoted an Air Force official saying, “These exercises are part of regular drills to maintain operational preparedness. We issue NOTAMs to ensure civilian aircraft are kept away from the area for safety.”
Heightened alert near the border
The timing of the drill is significant given the increased vigilance along the western border. The drills are being conducted barely months after Operation Sindoor and at a time of heightened alertness at the border with Pakistan. During Operation Sindoor, the region in Rajasthan witnessed 413 drone attacks by Pakistan. These drones were aimed at targeting districts like Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar. However, all the intrusions were successfully intercepted by the Indian air defence systems.
The exercise, which begins today, is being viewed as a continuation of India’s efforts to strengthen its aerial capabilities and maintain readiness along sensitive border zones.
