India has issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) for a large-scale Indian Air Force (IAF) exercise to be conducted in the northeastern region bordering China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
The exercise will take place over several weeks, with six specific dates scheduled between November and January 2026. It will include air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions.
The Indian Air Force has named its component of the exercise ‘Gajraj’. It will feature advanced air assets such as Rafale and Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, Sea Guardian and Heron drones, and more than 40 fighter aircraft. The exercise will also involve Prachand attack helicopters, which will play an important role in simulating realistic combat scenarios.
According to reports, the NOTAMs have been issued for multiple dates over the next few months.
The first set will be active on November 6 and November 20, followed by additional rounds on December 4 and December 18. Further NOTAMs have been scheduled on January 1 and January 15 to continue large-scale operations and drills in the Northeast.
During these periods, the IAF will conduct extensive combat training, coordinated sorties, and logistics exercises across various forward bases and air stations in the region. The Northeast remains one of India’s most sensitive theatres, sharing borders with four countries.
(With inputs from agencies)