India Announces Large-Scale Indian Air Force Exercise Near Northeastern Borders
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to hold an extensive military exercise in the northeastern region from September 25 to October 16, 2025. This exercise will cover territories adjacent to China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The 22-day event will also include operations in the Siliguri Corridor, a critical 22-kilometer stretch often referred to as India’s “Chicken’s Neck,” which serves as a vital link between the northeast and the rest of the nation.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been released, marking areas of restricted airspace for the duration of the exercise. This move signals India's aim to demonstrate its military preparedness amid ongoing border tensions.
The strategic Siliguri Corridor is an essential conduit for approximately 50 million residents of the northeast and remains a primary security concern for India's defense forces. Over recent years, India has enhanced its Trishakti Corps and upgraded air defense systems in this area, with Rafale squadrons stationed at Hasimara playing a significant role. The forthcoming exercise is anticipated to involve frontline fighter aircraft and coordinated air-land operations, potentially leading to temporary disruptions in civilian air traffic in cities like Dibrugarh and Jorhat.
Though comprehensive details have yet to be disclosed by the government, experts suggest that the exercise will enhance the coordination between the IAF and ground forces. This will strengthen India’s deterrence strategy along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). As regional power dynamics undergo changes, the international community is expected to closely observe the exercise as a measure of India's strategic determination.
