IAF to Hold Major Air Drill Near Pakistan Border Amid Heightened Tensions
The Indian Air Force will conduct a large-scale air exercise along the southern Pakistan border on May 7–8, amid escalating tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a major military drill along the southern segment of the Indo-Pak border, scheduled for May 7 and 8. According to geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon, the NOTAM suggests restricted airspace usage in the region, indicating preparations for an extensive air combat simulation.
Frontline fighters including Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Su-30MKI jets will participate in the exercise. The drill will test rapid deployment, ground strike capabilities, and strategic coordination. Senior officials from the IAF will closely monitor the manoeuvres to fine-tune operational protocols and assess readiness.
The timing of the drill coincides with rising military preparedness following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead. Security analysts believe the exercise is part of a calibrated response strategy to signal deterrence and enhance combat readiness in sensitive sectors.
This follows India’s April 25 ‘Aakraman’ drill, where advanced Rafale jets and Su-30MKIs executed deep-strike simulations across challenging terrain, including the mountainous north. The Navy also conducted coordinated operations to demonstrate maritime readiness.
Simultaneously, India is preparing to conduct its first nationwide civil defence drill since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a large-scale mock exercise covering 259 sites across 33 states and union territories.
The objective is to train civilians in bunker use, evacuation protocols, and self-protection techniques in case of air raids or hostile attacks. Home Secretary Govind Mohan is overseeing the initiative, with focus on updating warning systems and response drills.
India-Pakistan relations have sharply deteriorated since the Pahalgam incident. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, downgraded diplomatic ties, and closed the Attari land crossing. In retaliation, Pakistan has shut its airspace to Indian aircraft and ceased bilateral trade.
Pakistan, in turn, has ramped up its military posture. It recently approved an 18% increase in defence spending and conducted back-to-back missile tests, including launches from its ‘Fatah’ and ‘Abdali’ surface-to-surface systems.
Defence experts say the exercises aim to ensure swift retaliatory capability and readiness in the face of cross-border threats.
