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New Delhi: The Indian Air Force has issued NOTAM for a 17-day major combat exercise from September 21 to October 7. After this there has been a stir in Pakistan. According to reports, alarmed Pakistan has increased surveillance on the India-Pakistan border and senior defense officials have called an emergency meeting. The matter has reached the office of the Chief of Defense Forces in Islamabad.

What is NOTAM and why is there a stir?       

NOTAM, or Notice to Air Missions, is an aviation safety notification that informs aircraft operators about temporary changes, restrictions or dangers in airspace. Such notices are usually issued during military exercises, weapons tests or missile tests to ensure the safety of civil flights.

After India's notification, Pakistani security forces have made complete preparations on the border. Senior defense officials say that they are keeping an eye on every activity of the Indian Air Force.

IAF's big combat exercise, no fly zone up to 40 thousand feet   

According to the NOTAM issued by India, the large airspace near Jaisalmer-Barmer-Phalodi-Jodhpur sector and NAL-Bikaner has been reserved for 17 days. This reserved airspace extends to a height of about 40,000 feet and a part of it is just 20 km away from the international border with Pakistan, due to which Pakistan's concern has increased.

Tarang Shakti also overlaps with 2026   

This 17-day exercise is also overlapping with the Indian Air Force's multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026. Tarang Shakti 2026 is to be organized in Jodhpur from 26 September to 12 October. Air forces of many countries will participate in it. Its objective will be intensive air combat exercises, operational training and better coordination.

Continuous activity of fighter jets on the border   

Due to two consecutive major exercises, there will be continuous military aviation activity along the Pakistan border for most of September and till the beginning of October. There will be continuous flights of fighter jets.

For the Indian Air Force, these exercises will provide an opportunity to test operational procedures, coordination, deployment methods and readiness of troops and aircraft in real-world conditions, including operations with advanced fighter platforms. At a time when the Indian Armed Forces are emphasizing on their operational preparedness, this NOTAM period will be closely monitored by both the countries.