The Delhi government has granted permission to the Indian Air Force (IAF) to temporarily use the premises of 16 government schools for an urgent defence exercise being held in the national capital between April 28 and May 2, 2025.
The approval was conveyed through an official order issued by the assistant director of education on April 28. Titled “Permission to Use Premises of Schools for Delhi Integrated AIR Defence Activation for Urgent Air Force Exercise,” the order states that select school buildings have been found suitable for temporary use by the IAF during the ongoing operations.
Officials noted that this move has precedent from previous Ministry of Defence (MoD) activations during major national events such as Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations. The schools involved have been directed to provide adequate accommodation space to IAF personnel for round-the-clock operations, though catering services are excluded from the arrangement.
To ensure security, the schools have been instructed to verify the identity cards and credentials of all deployed Air warriors and officers before allowing them access to the premises. Only personnel officially assigned by the Air Headquarters will be permitted entry, following proper verification.
The IAF’s use of school facilities underscores the importance and urgency of the defence exercise, which aims to strengthen integrated air defence preparedness in the region.