India Issues NOTAM For Large-Scale Air Force Exercise Along China, Bhutan, Myanmar, And Bangladesh Borders

New Delhi: India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a large-scale Indian Air Force (IAF) exercise along its northeastern border with China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The exercise, scheduled to take place over several weeks, will involve extensive combat training, coordinated sorties, and logistics exercises across various forward bases and air stations in the region.

According to information, the air drill will be conducted on six specific dates, from November to January 2026. The exercise will involve a range of activities, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions.

The exercise will involve a range of activities, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions. The notification shares 6 calendar dates, starting from November 6 to January 16 in 2026, when the air exercise will be active in the Northeastern region. This includes:

In 2025

1. November 06
2. November 20
3. December 04
4. December 18

In 2026

1. January 01
2. January 15

The fresh NOTAM comes amidst India's launch of ‘Trishul 2025' exercise, a 12-day tri-service military drill along the Pakistan border, which is the country's first major war games since ‘Operation Sindoor’ six months ago.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has named its component of the exercise ‘Gajraj’, which will reportedly feature a range of advanced air assets, including Rafale and Sukhoi-30 fighter jets. The exercise will also involve Prachand attack helicopters, which will play a crucial role in simulating real-world combat scenarios.

The IAF exercise in the northeast is expected to strengthen India's air dominance and operational synergy in the area. The region remains one of India's most sensitive theatres, sharing boundaries with four countries, including China and Bangladesh. The NOTAM, issued for multiple dates over the next few months, signals enhanced operational readiness in a strategically sensitive region. The IAF will conduct extensive combat training, coordinated sorties, and logistics exercises across various forward bases and air stations in the region.

India’s Military Drill ‘Trishul 2025’

In the meantime, ‘Trishul 2025' exercise brings together special forces, missile units, warships, battle tanks, and frontline fighter jets such as the Rafale and Sukhoi Su-30 for coordinated operations. The simulated drills will involve offensive strike scenarios targeting southern Pakistan to assess the joint combat readiness of the Indian armed forces in a post-Operation Sindoor strategic environment.

The exercise spans both Gujarat and Rajasthan, with a primary focus on the Kutch region, viewed as a new flashpoint along the western frontier. The exercises are designed to test the operational readiness of the Indian armed forces, enhance jointness, and validate theatre logistics.

NOTAM Is Airspace Safety Measure

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is a critical safety measure issued when a specific airspace needs to be cleared of civilian air traffic. In simple terms, it is a warning system that alerts pilots and airlines about possible hazards or restrictions in a particular area.

By issuing a NOTAM, the authorities ensure that commercial aircraft steer clear of the designated airspace, where the fighter jets are carrying out air drills, preventing any collisions or accidents. The measure not only safeguards the lives of passengers and crew but also allows military aircraft to operate freely without any restrictions.