India issues NOTAM for large-scale air exercise along Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan for June 7-8

India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a large-scale Indian Air Force (IAF) exercise scheduled for June 7–8 along the southern section of the Indo-Pakistan border.

The exercise, set to take place in Rajasthan near the International Border, is part of the IAF’s regular operational readiness drills but comes at a time of elevated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

According to the NOTAM, the exercise will begin at 3:30 pm on June 7 and conclude at 9:30 p.m. on June 8. During this period, airspace over the designated zone will be restricted to facilitate a range of aerial operations.

An IAF official confirmed that the maneuvers will involve frontline fighter jets including Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi-30 aircraft, along with surveillance platforms and support systems.

While the Indian Ministry of Defence has not explicitly linked the drill to ongoing geopolitical developments, the timing and location are significant. The region has seen increased strain following a recent cross-border terror attack in Pahalgam, which led both India and Pakistan to impose mutual airspace restrictions.

India announced last week that it was closing its airspace to all Pakistani-registered and military aircraft from April 30 to May 23.

This move followed Pakistan’s earlier decision to bar Indian flights from entering its airspace, intensifying diplomatic and military friction.

Tensions are also simmering along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, where ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces have drawn strong retaliatory strikes from the Indian Army.

Military sources report that Pakistani troops have withdrawn from several forward posts, a development seen as a sign of eroding confidence. Indian forces have responded with what officials described as “precision and force,” particularly in hotspots such as Naushera, Sunderbani, and Baramulla.

In a parallel move, Pakistan declared a temporary No-Fly Zone over Islamabad and Lahore through May 2, reportedly amid fears of a possible Indian airstrike. The measure reflects growing concern within Pakistan’s military establishment as both nations maintain heightened military readiness.

With regional stability under renewed strain, both sides remain on alert. Analysts warn that further provocations or miscalculations could quickly escalate, underscoring the critical need for diplomatic engagement alongside continued vigilance.

With inputs from agencies