IAF’s 17-day NOTAM puts Pakistan on alert; emergency meeting called

India’s 17-day IAF air exercise in Rajasthan has triggered heightened scrutiny in Pakistan, with an emergency meeting reportedly called

PGurus Newsdesk

September 4, 2026

IAF’s 17-day NOTAM near the Pakistan border puts Islamabad on alert as India prepares for a major air combat exercise in Rajasthan

Pakistan reportedly convenes an emergency meeting and increases monitoring along the border

Pakistan has reportedly convened an emergency security meeting after the Indian Air Force issued a 17-day NOTAM covering airspace over Rajasthan for a planned combat exercise from September 21 to October 7. The development has triggered fresh attention across the India-Pakistan border even as the exercise is being described as a planned military drill.

Why the NOTAM has caught Pakistan’s attention

A NOTAM, or Notice to Airmen/Air Missions, is routinely issued to alert civilian aviation about temporary restrictions or hazards in designated airspace. In this case, the unusually long 17-day window has drawn scrutiny because the exercise area lies in Rajasthan, close to the Pakistan border.

Reports say Pakistan’s defence establishment has assessed the Indian notification and heightened its watch along the border. Pakistani officials have also indicated that the country remains prepared to respond to any unexpected development.

Khawaja Asif tries to play down concerns

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif sought to project calm amid the reports of an emergency meeting. He reportedly said there was no reason for panic, even as Pakistani authorities continued to monitor the situation closely.

The episode comes against a backdrop of heightened India-Pakistan military tensions, making even routine air-force activity particularly sensitive.

India’s air drills under the spotlight

The Indian Air Force regularly conducts large-scale exercises to train fighter crews and test operational readiness. Rajasthan, with its proximity to the western border and extensive airspace available for military training, is an important area for such activity.

The latest NOTAM therefore does not by itself indicate that India is preparing for an attack on Pakistan. Its significance lies in the timing, duration and location of the exercise—and in how Pakistan has chosen to respond.

For now, the key date is September 21, when the notified exercise window begins.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.