The Indian Air Force will conduct a high-intensity air exercise near the Line of Actual Control in Uttarakhand from 13 to 21 November. The exercise will involve frontline fighter aircraft and focus on operational capability, beyond-visual-range combat tactics and flying in Himalayan conditions.

Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000 and Tejas aircraft are among the fighter jets associated with the exercise. A Notice to Airmen has been issued to define temporary restrictions over designated areas and air routes.

Airspace restrictions during the exercise

Under the NOTAM, restrictions will apply from morning 8:00 to noon 12:00 PM and evening 8:00 to night 11:59 AM from 13 to 17 November. On 18 November, the restrictions will remain in force from morning 8:00 to night 11:59 AM.

The airspace will be unavailable throughout 19 and 20 November. On 21 November, restrictions will apply from morning 5:30 AM to night 11:59 AM.

The affected areas include the designated geographical zones identified as Box-1, Box-2 and Transit C-1. 2 air traffic service routes will also be unavailable during the notified periods: W-85 between Dehradun and Haridwar, and W-87 between Haridwar and Vinak.

Possible effect on commercial flights

The Air Force will coordinate regular commercial flights operating from airports in the affected area. Airlines and other operators have been advised to coordinate with the Air Force in advance so that flight movements can be managed during the exercise.

The restrictions are temporary and linked to the scheduled military activity. Travellers using affected airports and routes may need to check with airlines for operational changes during the notified dates.

Strategic importance of the region

The central sector of the India-China LAC runs for about 545 kilometres through Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. It includes important Himalayan valleys and passes such as Mana, Niti and Lipulekh.

The region has gained importance as infrastructure and connectivity have expanded in border areas on the Chinese side. Maintaining military preparedness in the sector remains significant for India, according to the background provided with the exercise details.

IAF’s other exercises in 2026

The Air Force has already participated in several major exercises this year. In February, Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Tejas and Mirage-2000 aircraft took part in the Vayu Shakti-2026 exercise at Pokhran in Rajasthan.

Indian fighter aircraft also participated in Exercise Pitch Black in Australia and Exercise Udara Shakti in Malaysia during July and August. Exercise Veer Guardian was held between India and Japan in September, while the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti took place in Jodhpur during September and October.

Conclusion

The Uttarakhand exercise will test frontline fighter operations near the LAC from 13 to 21 November. Temporary restrictions will affect specified airspace, 2 air routes and the coordination of commercial flights in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When will the IAF exercise take place?

The exercise is scheduled from 13 to 21 November.

Q. Which fighter aircraft are associated with the exercise?

The exercise is expected to feature Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000 and Tejas fighter aircraft.

Q. Which air routes will be unavailable?

W-85 between Dehradun and Haridwar, and W-87 between Haridwar and Vinak, will be unavailable during the notified periods.

Q. Which areas are covered by the airspace restrictions?

The restrictions cover the designated areas known as Box-1, Box-2 and Transit C-1.

Q. Could commercial flights be affected?

The Air Force will coordinate commercial flights operating from affected-area airports, and airlines have been advised to coordinate in advance.