IAF to conduct major border drills with Rafale, Mirage 2000 and Sukhoi-30 jets amid rising tensions with Pakistan

The Indian Air Force will carry out a two-day military exercise from 7 May, focusing on areas along the western border with Pakistan. The drill will be concentrated over the desert sector and adjoining zones in Rajasthan, falling under the South Western Air Command (SWAC).

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has already been issued for the exercise period. IAF officials confirmed that the operation will involve all frontline fighter jets, including the Rafale, Mirage 2000 and Sukhoi-30s.

According to sources, the exercise will take place close to both the International Border and the Line of Control. It will test the preparedness and rapid deployment capacity of the Indian Air Force in a tense regional climate.


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Villagers living along the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan's Barmer district voiced their unwavering support for the Indian armed forces and are ready to help the Indian Army in every possible way in case of war.

The villagers, who have faith in the Indian Army, are resolute in their stance against terrorism and are calling for strict action against Pakistan.

Speaking to ANI, Mir Hasan on Tuesday expressed grief over the Pahalgam terror attack and said that they will support the Army and government.

"I have heard about the wars that were held between India and Pakistan. We have not witnessed it. We are all ready to help the country and the Indian army in every possible way in case of war, if needed. Whatever decision is taken by the government, we are standing with them. We are not all scared and standing fearlessly. We will all sacrifice our lives for the country. Dil jan se saath denge. We are all ready for everything," he said.

Another villager named Md Roshan said, "We are all standing firm with the government. The government should teach Pakistan a lesson. Strict action should be taken against Pakistan. If today the war takes place we are with the Army."

Meanwhile, Ali Mohammad said that Pakistan has murdered humanity and it is necessary to teach Pakistan a lesson.

"We believe that whatever the government decides is right. We are with the government. Strict action would be taken against the terrorist. Pakistan has murdered humanity, and it is necessary to teach Pakistan a lesson," he said.

Pahalgam Attack triggers tension and response

This show of strength comes less than three weeks after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April. The attack, which left 26 civilians dead, has intensified an already fraught relationship between India and Pakistan.

Security forces have since been placed on heightened alert across the country. Intelligence monitoring has increased, and border units have stepped up operational readiness.

Civil defence drills ordered Nationwide

Responding to the escalated threat perception, the Ministry of Home Affairs has directed states to carry out comprehensive civil defence mock drills on 7 May—the same day the IAF exercise begins.

Officials said these drills are designed to test the country’s crisis response in case of a hostile incident. “These drills are aimed at assessing the country's preparedness in case of a hostile attack and at the same time raising awareness among the public,” an MHA directive stated.

The synchronisation of civilian and military preparedness indicates a coordinated approach towards national security amid rising risks.

Reacting to the flare-up in tensions, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a direct appeal to both nations.

“We call for maximum restraint,” he said. “A military solution is no solution.” Guterres also condemned the Pahalgam killings and warned of the deteriorating situation, stating the relationship between India and Pakistan has reached a “boiling” point.

His comments reflect global concern over the possibility of further escalation, especially when military and civilian preparedness activities are occurring in parallel.

While there has been no official statement linking the air exercise to the 22 April attack, the timing is significant. With civil defence drills and a full-scale air force exercise taking place simultaneously, India appears to be preparing for multiple scenarios.

The government has not issued any public advisory but is clearly moving to reinforce both defence and civilian response systems. Whether the latest drills act as deterrence or provoke further response remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that the region is watching closely—and the stakes are high.