Indian Air Force to conduct drills near Pakistan border – media

New Delhi will carry out exercises featuring fighter squadrons with frontline jets, including Sukhoi Su-30s

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a large-scale military exercise from July 23 to 25 along the India-Pakistan border, local media outlets have reported, citing official sources.

The drills will feature key fighter squadrons with frontline jets, including the Sukhoi Su-30, Rafale, and Mirage 2000, as well as air defense systems and critical support infrastructure, according to India Today. The exercise, which is part of the IAF's routine operational readiness training, comes two months after the India-Pakistan military confrontation. 

”The exercise is scheduled to take place in Rajasthan near the International Border, and is part of the Air Force's regular operational readiness drills,” an official told India Today. “It could be between two or three commands of the Indian Air Force. We keep issuing NOTAM (notice to airmen) during such exercises to keep airspace cleared of any civilian aircraft.” 

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Officials also told local media that the drills will focus on enhancing night operation capabilities. In May, a military standoff between India and Pakistan tested the Indian military's combat aircraft capabilities. During the four-day conflict, New Delhi deployed both foreign and domestically developed systems, including warplanes of Russian and French origin, against Pakistan.

The IAF has historically relied heavily on Russian-designed warplanes, such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and MiG-29 fighter jets. Under a Russian license, India has been manufacturing the Su-30MKI since 2004. State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has produced over 220 of the aircraft, which are considered the backbone of the IAF's fighter fleet.

Earlier this year, Russia also showcased its Sukhoi Su-57 Felon stealth fighter, which made its debut at India’s largest defense show, Aero India. The US displayed its F-35 at the same event. 

Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport suggested that, given the existing collaboration between Moscow and New Delhi, India could quickly upgrade its current production lines of Russian-designed fighter jets to assemble fifth-generation warplanes.