Shadow tensions persist as India, Pakistan issue Notams and keep skies on alert with border air exercises

India and Pakistan are once again tightening their airspace along the border. Less than three months after a serious flare-up in early May, both countries have issued fresh Notams, official notices to airmen hinting at continued military alertness, as reported by TOI.

According to TOI reports, the Indian Air Force’s South Western Air Command will carry out an air combat exercise from 23 to 25 July. The area of operation lies in the Rajasthan-Gujarat belt, not far from the international border. Meanwhile, Pakistan has blocked off parts of its central and southern airspace, the central region remains restricted till 23 July, and the southern sector is closed on 22 and 23 July.

Operation Sindoor: How it started

This military posturing didn’t begin in a vacuum.

On 7 May, India launched precision strikes deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. The targets were nine terror hubs — four in mainland Pakistan, five in POK. These strikes were India’s response to what officials described as escalating militant activity in the region.

India was clear in its objective. According to reports, the intention was limited: to neutralise terror infrastructure alone, not to provoke further escalation.

But Pakistan responded differently.It launched successive waves of drones and missiles targeting Indian airbases, military installations and even civilian areas. What followed was a rapid, high-stakes exchange lasting from 7 to 10 May, during which both air forces remained on high alert.

IAF’s targeted response

In the days that followed Pakistan’s retaliation, India struck back again. This time with more precision and force.

According to The Times of India, the Indian Air Force targeted at least nine Pakistani airbases and three radar installations. Some of these were in sensitive zones, near nuclear sites and key command structures.

A mix of Su-30MKIs, Rafales and Mirage-2000s were deployed. They carried out the attacks using a range of weapons including BrahMos, Scalp, Crystal Maze-2 and Rampage missiles. The strikes were described as “calibrated pinpoint strikes” by TOI, aimed at neutralising specific assets without widening the conflict.

Military drills, especially those close to the border, aren’t unusual between India and Pakistan. What makes the current ones significant is the context and timing.

Both nations had conducted several joint force drills, air and naval, in the lead-up to the May standoff. And despite the hostilities ending on 10 May, the shadow boxing has not.

The new wave of exercises shows neither side is letting its guard down. By reserving chunks of airspace, they’re signalling the same message: readiness matters. And the skies, once again, are part of the conversation.

(With inputs from TOI)