Indian Air Force To Hold Drill in Rajasthan, Along Border With Pakistan: Report

The Indian Air Force will conduct a military drill in Rajasthan, along the international border with Pakistan, NDTV reported, citing a notice to airmen or NOTAM, issued on Tuesday evening.

The IAF exercise will commence at 9:30 pm on Wednesday and conclude five-and-a-half hours later at 3 am on Thursday, the report added. The arrival and departure of flights close to the Pakistan border may remain suspended during the IAF drill, it further said.

The major air exercise that will largely take place along the southern and western sections of the Indo-Pakistan border, according to a PTI report.

India's frontline fighter jets, including the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft, are set to feature in the exercise, as per the PTI report.

The announcement comes amid India's preparation for a possible military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people last month.

The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday asked all states and Union Territories to carry out a countrywide mock drill on May 7 at 244 locations, including major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, given the "new and complex threats" that have emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan over the terror strike.

Earlier, on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the armed forces have 'complete operational freedom' to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the terror attack.