Indian Air Force to hold 2-day major military drill along border with Pakistan in Rajasthan

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force will conduct a major military drill involving its most potent Rafale combat jets near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan in the next two days, even as cross-border Indo-Pak hostility following the Pahalgam terror attack continues unabated.

The exercise by the South Western Air Command would also involve Su-30 and Mirage-2000 fighter jets besides a range of transport aircraft, helicopters and advanced airborne radar systems, sources said.

India's civil aviation authorities have issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for the major air exercise that will largely take place along the southern and western section of the Indo-Pakistan border. A NOTAM helps civilian airlines to avoid the airspace where a military exercise is being held.

The two-day drill that begins on Wednesday afternoon, will continue till Friday night suggesting night-firing practices by the combat jets.

In the exercise, the IAF would simulate enemy targets on ground and in the air and hit them with precision, sources said.

Queried on the wargame in Rajasthan and nearby areas, an IAF spokesperson said, “IAF is conducting a pre-planned routine training exercise.”

Ever since the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, the IAF has been increasing the number of operationally ready platforms at the air bases whereas the Western Command of the Indian Navy is on alert. The warships of the Indian Navy have carried out missile firings as a part of an exercise.

The Indian Army is keeping a close eye on the Line of Control as well as on the international border as firing from across the border continues for nearly two weeks.

“During the night of May 5-6, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing from posts across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in J&K,” an official said, noting that the Indian Army responded in proportionate manner.

The militaries of both India and Pakistan are on a high alert following rising tensions between the two nations.

Soon after the Pahalgam terror attack, India, citing "cross-border linkages" to the strike, promised severe punishment to those involved in it.

In a high-level meeting with the top defence brass on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the terror attack.

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh met Prime Minister Modi on Sunday and the Chief of Air Staff briefed him about the IAF's operational readiness.

On Saturday, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi apprised the prime minister on the overall situation in the critical sea lanes in the Arabian Sea.