Amid preparations by India to launch ‘Trishul’, a joint exercise of all three forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) near the Pakistan border, Pakistan has imposed restrictions on several air routes in its central and southern airspace. Islamabad has not given any official reason for this step, but analysts believe that it could either be a step related to a military exercise or preparation for a weapon test.
Indian forces will practice from 30 October to 10 November
This step has been taken when India has imposed lockdown from 30 October to 10 November. Pakistan NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was issued for a large-scale joint exercise of the three armies in the Sir Creek area near the border. This type of military ‘standoff’ has become common between India and Pakistan since Operation Sindoor, in which both the countries issue NOTAM for military exercises in the border areas.
Importance of ‘Trishul’ practice
According to satellite images shared by defense analyst Damien Simon, the airspace reserved for the ‘Trishul’ exercise extends to a height of 28,000 feet. He said in the tweet that the scope and scale of the exercise is ‘unusual’. According to the Defense Ministry, there will be joint participation of the Army, Navy and Air Force in this exercise. Its objective is to showcase the joint operational capability of the armies, ‘self-reliance’ and innovation.
Pakistan keeps an eye on India’s border activities
The ministry said in a statement, ‘The troops of the Southern Command will test joint operations in various challenging terrains, including offensive strategies in creeks and desert areas, amphibious operations on the Saurashtra coast and multi-domain joint exercises.’
Although such exercises are part of normal military preparedness, the issuance of NOTAM by Pakistan shows that it is keeping a close watch on India’s border activities after Operation Sindoor. During Operation Sindoor, Indian forces targeted 9 terrorist hideouts and 11 military positions and airbases inside Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
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