The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) reserving restricted airspace for the drills, temporarily suspending international flights over the area.

The exercises will involve frontline fighter jets, including the Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, and Jaguar aircraft.

According to reports in the Indian media, the drills will feature high-speed flights, air combat simulations, and potentially live-fire or bombing training.

The restricted airspace encompasses sensitive regions close to Pakistan, including the Arabian Sea, Sir Creek, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad, raising concerns over the impact on regional security and stability.

The restricted zone covers areas extending from the north Gujarat region towards the Kutch coastline, near the Arabian Sea.

It is further learnt that prior to these dates, the NOTAM will also be applicable on January 6 and 7.

The advisory has been issued to alert civil aviation operators of potential airspace restrictions during the exercise period, and commercial flights may be rerouted to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

Defence sources said the exercise is part of routine preparedness and training activities conducted by the Indian Air Force to maintain operational readiness.

Such drills are regularly carried out and do not indicate any immediate escalation, they added.