Indian Air Force Launches Major Military Drill Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan

Intensive Military Exercise Along the Indo-Pak Border

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct a significant two-day military exercise starting Wednesday, focusing on the border with Pakistan. This operation will showcase all frontline fighter jets, including the Rafale, Su-30, and Jaguar, as confirmed by defense sources on Tuesday.

This exercise comes in the wake of increased tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities.

Civil aviation authorities in India have issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding the extensive air operations that will primarily occur along the southern and western segments of the Indo-Pak border.

The IAF's lineup for the drill includes advanced fighter jets such as the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mig-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas, and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft.

During the exercise, the IAF plans to simulate ground and aerial enemy targets with high accuracy, according to the sources.

Both Indian and Pakistani military forces are currently on high alert due to the escalating tensions between the two countries.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India has vowed to take stringent action against those responsible, citing cross-border connections to the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting with senior defense officials on April 29, granting the armed forces full operational freedom to determine the strategy, targets, and timing for India's response to the attack.

On Sunday, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh briefed Prime Minister Modi on the IAF's readiness for operations.

Additionally, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi updated the Prime Minister on the situation in the crucial maritime routes of the Arabian Sea.