Pakistan Closes Air Routes As India Gears Up For Massive Military Drill Near Sir Creek

Rattled by India’s upcoming tri-services exercise, Pakistan has restricted multiple air traffic routes across its central and southern airspace, reported India Today.

Islamabad has not given an official cause for the Notam (notice to airmen) for 28-29 October, but analysts suggest it is related to a military drill or weapons test.

India had previously issued a Notam for its large-scale Trishul exercise along the Pakistani border near Sir Creek, which was scheduled to take place from 30 October to 10 November.

Since Operation Sindoor, such interactions have become routine, with both countries sending out airspace notices ahead of military activities.

Damien Symon, a satellite analyst, revealed photographs of the Trishul exercise airspace, which extends up to 28,000 feet. He described the selected area and scale as "unusual."

India’s Defence Ministry said the drill will showcase the Army, Navy, and Air Force’s joint operational capabilities, atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and innovation.

“Troops from Southern Command will actively participate to validate joint operations across diverse and challenging terrains, including offensive manoeuvres in the creek and desert sectors, amphibious operations off the Saurashtra coast, and joint multi-domain operational exercises,” the Ministry stated.

The exercise comes days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan against misadventures in the Sir Creek area: “If Pakistan dares to act in the Sir Creek sector, the reply will be so strong that it will change both history and geography.”

Sir Creek, a 96-km uninhabited marshland between Gujarat and Sindh, holds strategic importance due to its influence on key sea routes.

Intelligence reports indicate Pakistan has intensified construction of military infrastructure in the region, underscoring the significance of India’s massive exercise near the border.

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