New Delhi. The Indian Air Force is going to test its military preparedness near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. A nine-day high-intensity air exercise will be conducted in the skies of Uttarakhand from November 13 to 21. Frontline fighter planes of the Air Force will participate in this. During the exercise, air combat tactics, capability of aircraft in inaccessible Himalayan areas and preparedness for rapid deployment of military forces will be tested. For this, NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has been issued imposing restrictions in the concerned airspace. During this period, routes of normal civil flights may also be affected.
This exercise taking place in the Himalayan region is considered important from the point of view of India's strategic preparedness. In this military exercise to be held near the LAC, the Air Force will test its operational capability, precise attack strategy and efficiency in conducting operations in inaccessible high altitude areas. The activities of fighter planes will increase during the exercise.
Frontline fighter planes will be involved
According to officials, frontline fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force will take part in the exercise. Its objective is to test operational agility and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat strategies during war.
Along with this, the performance of aircraft engines will also be assessed in the low air pressure and difficult geographical conditions in the high altitude areas of the Himalayas.
India's eastern and northern military regions have long been strategically important. However, even in the Central Himalayan region, military infrastructure, forward airstrips and surveillance networks have expanded during the last few years.
Will test the ability to rapidly deploy troops
The exercise, to be held over central Uttarakhand, will provide an opportunity to test the capability of tactical operations at important Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs). Apart from this, preparations for rapid transportation of troops from one valley to another, deployment of military forces and air logistics support will also be tested.
Such an exercise can prove helpful in improving the response capability of the Air Force in real military situations and establishing better coordination with the Army.
Civil flights affected due to issuance of NOTAM
In view of the air exercise, air restrictions will remain in force in the concerned area from 13 to 21 November. Notam has been issued for this. Under NOTAM, pilots and airlines are informed about activities and restrictions in designated airspace.
During this period, routes of some general and commercial flights may be changed. Airlines have been advised to schedule their flights in advance in coordination with the Indian Air Force, so that inconvenience to passengers and delays in flights can be reduced.