New Delhi: India’s 17-day airspace alert along the Pakistan border has reportedly set alarm bells ringing in Islamabad, with Pakistan placing its military and security apparatus on heightened alert.
India has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) reserving airspace over the Rajasthan sector along the Pakistan border from September 21 to October 7, amid planned military exercises and air activity.
The notification has prompted an immediate security review in Islamabad, with Pakistan reportedly stepping up surveillance along the border and closely monitoring India’s planned activities.
According to reports, the security assessment was subsequently submitted to the office of Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces. Pakistani security agencies have also intensified monitoring of the India-Pakistan border as preparations for the Indian Air Force’s scheduled airspace activity gather pace.
Islamabad Scrambles to Assess India’s Airspace Move
The unusually long duration of the NOTAM — extending for more than two weeks — has reportedly drawn particular attention from Pakistan’s defence establishment.
According to CNN-News18, a senior Pakistani security official said defence authorities were treating the Indian notification as an issue requiring immediate assessment and were examining the possible implications of the planned activity.
Pakistan’s senior defence officials have said that the country’s armed forces are keeping a close watch on developments and remain prepared to respond to any perceived threat.
CNN-News18 reported that Pakistan was prepared to deliver a “strong response” to any potential “misadventure” during the period covered by the Indian notification.
What Does the NOTAM Actually Mean?
A NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) is an official aviation notification issued to pilots, airlines and other airspace users about temporary restrictions, hazards or operational changes that could affect flights.
NOTAMs can be issued for a range of reasons, including military exercises, temporary airspace restrictions, navigation-related changes, hazards and other operational requirements.
Importantly, reserving airspace through a NOTAM does not, by itself, establish that military action is being planned. It formally alerts airspace users that a specified area may be unavailable or subject to restrictions for a defined period.
Nevertheless, the 17-day notification has prompted heightened scrutiny in Islamabad, with Pakistani authorities closely watching India’s planned air activity along the western frontier.
