The Indian Air Force will conduct an exercise in the Arabian Sea on September 2-3, 2025. Civilian flights will be rerouted under NOTAM. The exercise will include live firing, missile tests, and high-intensity air maneuvers. A signal of deterrence towards Pakistan.
Airspace: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct a major military exercise in the Arabian Sea on September 2 and 3, 2025. This exercise will take place approximately 200 nautical miles from Karachi, Pakistan. A NOTAM has been issued, requiring civilian aircraft to change their routes. The exercise may involve live firing, missile testing, and air maneuvers. The IAF's preparations are aimed at showcasing its deterrence capabilities and combat readiness.
During this exercise, special emphasis will be placed on the strategic strength of the Indian Air Force, the capabilities of modern jets, and weapon systems. The location of the exercise, being close to Pakistan's airspace, enhances its sensitivity and significance. As per the NOTAM, there will be temporary restrictions in the airspace, and commercial flights will be rerouted.
Date, Time, and Area of Exercise
This two-day exercise by the IAF will commence on September 2 at 11 AM and conclude on September 3 at 2 PM in the Arabian Sea, near Gujarat and Rajasthan. This is a routine exercise, but its location and timing make it strategically important. Airport and airline companies have been informed in advance through the NOTAM to minimize any inconvenience.
Given its proximity to Pakistan, this exercise is also being considered as a form of deterrence signal. The exercise could involve operational elements such as high-intensity drills, precision bombing, ground strikes, and night operations. All these exercises are part of the Indian Air Force's operational readiness and multi-domain warfare strategy.
What is NOTAM and why is it important
NOTAM, which stands for Notice to Airmen, is an official notice that informs pilots and airline companies about unusual activities in a specific area. This includes information on weapons testing, live firing, or other military exercises. It is issued under the International Civil Aviation Convention (CICA). In this exercise, the airspace is only 200 nautical miles away from Karachi, Pakistan, making it strategically significant.
The purpose of NOTAM is to provide safe routes for civilian aircraft and to minimize the possibility of any accidents in the exercise area. This ensures that no civilian flight faces any danger.
IAF Chief's Leadership and Display of Jets
In past exercises, the IAF Chief has personally led drills by flying jets. This time too, frontline jets such as Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, and Tejas will be participating. Ground strikes, precision bombing, and night operations could be part of this exercise. This exercise is indicative not only of deterrence but also of operational capability and high-level technical training.
The presence of top IAF pilots and the technical team underscores the seriousness of the exercise. Previous exercises conducted with systems like Rafale and S-400 near the Pakistan border in Bikaner and Rajasthan serve as a guide for the preparations for this upcoming exercise.
Why the Exercise is Being Conducted Near Pakistan
This corridor in the Arabian Sea is strategically sensitive. Pakistani air routes pass through here, and this area is important for maritime security and air defense. The objective of this exercise is to send a clear message to Pakistan that India maintains its combat readiness and deterrence capability.
In recent times, there have been several tense incidents between India and Pakistan, with security and terrorism-related issues being prominent. In such a scenario, this exercise by the IAF is essential not only for readiness but also for ensuring regional security.
IAF's Deterrence Signal
This exercise demonstrates India's strategic capabilities and the robustness of its air defense systems. Live firing and missile testing during the exercise convey a message of deterrence to Pakistan. Furthermore, rerouting civilian aircraft ensures regional safety.
The pattern of past exercises by the IAF indicates that a major exercise was conducted near the Pakistan border in June 2025, with wargames and drills held in Rajasthan in May and July. An exercise was held near the LoC from August 19-21. This current exercise is part of this routine and strategic preparation.
