. The Indian Air Force is set to launch a major multi-day aerial exercise in Rajasthan from July 23 to 25, with operations spanning key border districts from Barmer to Jodhpur. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to clear civilian air traffic in the region during the exercise period.
According to defence officials, the drill will involve extensive air combat and night operations and is part of the IAF’s routine operational readiness assessments. The exercise is expected to include aircraft and assets from multiple Air Force commands.
Frontline fighter jets such as Rafale, Mirage 2000 and Sukhoi-30 will take part in the exercise, supported by air defence systems, early warning platforms and other ground support units. The focus will be on high-speed manoeuvres, coordinated air strikes and real-time response to aerial threats.
This large-scale readiness exercise comes at a time of elevated alertness along the India-Pakistan border. The Indian Air Force has been intensifying surveillance and strategic deployments in response to evolving cross-border threats.
During Operation Sindoor in May 2025, the same region witnessed repeated Pakistani drone and missile incursions. In total, 413 drone attacks targeted areas in Rajasthan including Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar. All intrusions were intercepted by India’s integrated air defence network, preventing any damage.
With tensions along the western frontier still simmering, the upcoming exercise aims to reinforce preparedness, test combat efficiency and sharpen India’s response capabilities in case of future provocations.
