A series of large-scale Indian Air Force (IAF) exercises are slated to take place across India’s northeastern territories from November to January, as indicated by recent Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). This strategic military activity will span areas adjacent to the borders with China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, highlighting a reinforced commitment to national security in this sensitive geographical zone.
The IAF has meticulously planned the exercise schedule, with the first set of NOTAMs covering November 6 and 20. Subsequent restrictions on civilian air traffic are scheduled for December 4 and 18, with further operational periods planned for January 1 and 15. These exercises are designed to include extensive combat training simulations, coordinated sorties, and logistical preparedness drills conducted from multiple forward air bases in the region. The Northeast, being a critical junction with four international borders, demands constant vigilance and advanced operational capabilities.
Issuing a NOTAM is a crucial safety measure that temporarily suspends civilian air traffic in specified airspace. This allows military aircraft, including fighter jets, drones, and transport planes, to operate without the risk of collision with commercial flights. This protocol has been employed during previous periods of heightened geopolitical tension to safeguard both civilian and military aviation. The ongoing exercises aim to sharpen the IAF’s capabilities and readiness in the face of evolving regional security dynamics.