The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to stage its largest air exercise in the Northeast since Operation Sindoor, with a 22-day airspace restriction notified through a NOTAM spanning September 25 to October 16.

The designated exercise zone covers Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur, stretching close to international borders with Bhutan, Myanmar, and China. Defence sources highlight that the drill will be of high intensity, emphasising air‑ground integration, joint operations with air defence networks, and validation of rapid mobilisation under real-world combat scenarios.

A key operational focus will be the Siliguri Corridor, the narrow 22‑kilometre passage known as India’s “Chicken’s Neck,” which serves as the sole land connection to the Northeast and lies in proximity to critical flashpoints at Doklam and Tawang.

The IAF is expected to deploy frontline assets across the theatre, with Rafale fighter squadrons from Hasimara Air Base playing a lead role in offensive and defensive missions.

Complementing this will be transport, surveillance, and rotary platforms to simulate multidimensional operations, while ground-based air defence systems will be networked to test layered area denial and protection capacities.

The exercise coincides with a broader military build-up in the eastern sector under the Trishakti Corps, which has recently been reinforced with additional forces, modern radar coverage, and advanced surface-to-air systems.

This synergy of air and ground assets reflects India’s intent to sharpen readiness against contingencies along the Line of Actual Control, where Chinese activity has risen in recent years. Analysts interpret the scale of this initiative as a strong messaging tool, showcasing the IAF’s ability to mobilise combat power rapidly, secure vulnerable corridors, and sustain operations in mountainous border regions.

While Operation Sindoor continues to represent India’s sustained military readiness posture, the announcement of this exercise signals renewed emphasis on offensive-defensive balance, real-time operational testing, and seamless inter-service cooperation.

Defence experts argue that the timing and scale of the event are aligned with India’s larger strategic recalibration towards countering deepening regional security challenges, ensuring that the Northeast remains protected against evolving threats.

Based On India Today Report