Published: 12:12 AM, 05 September 2026
India's planned 17-day IAF air exercises put Pakistan on alert: Report
India's planned military air activity in western Rajasthan has prompted heightened vigilance in Pakistan, with Islamabad closely monitoring a 17-day airspace reservation issued by the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to CNN-News18. The IAF has reserved airspace from Sept 21 to Oct 7, covering the Jaisalmer-Barmer-Phalodi-Jodhpur sector, with another area near NAL-Bikaner also blocked for military activity, per the Local media reports.
The reserved airspace extends to around 40,000ft, with one section coming to within about 20km of the international border.
CNN-News18, citing security sources, said Pakistan's Ministry of Defence held an urgent meeting to review the Indian notification.
The brief was also submitted to the office of Pakistan's chief of defence forces, it added.
Pakistan has since stepped up vigilance along the India-Pakistan border, the Indian news channel reported, with senior defence officials saying the country's forces are tracking Indian Air Force movements and stand ready to respond to any perceived threat.
The timing of the airspace reservation coincides with two major exercises planned around Jodhpur and other air bases in western Rajasthan.
What is the IAF Exercising?
The airspace reservation comes as the IAF prepares for two major air exercises in western India -- Veer Guardian 26 with Japan and Tarang Shakti 2026, a larger multinational drill.
Veer Guardian 26, running from Sept 9 to 21, is a joint exercise between the IAF and Japan's Air Self-Defense Force.
Japan is sending three F-2A fighter jets and around 110 personnel.
The pilots will train together in air-combat operations, practising how their forces would work together in the air. It will also be the first time Japanese fighter jets operate from an Indian air base, India Today said.
The IAF will then host Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur from Sept 26 to Oct 12.
The exercise will bring several countries together for joint flying and combat training.
Such exercises allow pilots to practise working with foreign air forces, coordinate their aircraft during missions and improve their ability to operate together.
Aircraft from eight countries are expected to take part, while more than 30 countries are likely to attend as observers.
The US, Australia, France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have been named among the participating countries.
The NOTAM, or Notice to Air Missions, reserves parts of the airspace for military activity during Sept 21-Oct 7.
That period overlaps with the beginning of Tarang Shakti, although Indian authorities have not publicly disclosed exactly what activities will take place throughout the entire reserved area and period.
Pakistan's Recent Naval Exercise
Pakistan has also recently held a major naval exercise along its coast, testing how quickly its forces can respond to potential threats at sea.
The Pakistan Navy conducted "KARRAR - The Relentless Striker" from Aug 16 to 22 in parts of Balochistan and Sindh, including areas near the disputed Sir Creek region, according to Pakistani media reports.
The exercise involved naval ships, personnel and marine commandos carrying out combat and operational drills.
Footage released by the Pakistan Navy showed ships taking part in maritime operations and combat training, while Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf observed the exercise, Pakistani outlets reported.
The drills were aimed at testing the navy's combat readiness and its ability to respond to threats in coastal and maritime areas.
They included activities designed to improve coordination between naval units and keep personnel prepared for operational situations.
KARRAR was held shortly before India's planned air exercises, adding to a period of increased military activity involving the two neighbours.
Pakistan, meanwhile, has placed "greater focus" on monitoring India's planned air activity.
CNN-News18 said Pakistani officials have described their posture as defensive and said their forces are prepared to give a "full response" to any Indian "misadventure" during the exercise period.
