As a result of the unresolved contention between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and China over differing perceptions regarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct exercise PRALAY in the northeastern sector of India. A large number of major air bases of the Indian Air Force will be involved in this exercise, as well as drone squadrons recently deployed to the northeast.
It is expected that Exercise PRALAY will be held in the next few days amid IAF’s defensive posturing along the Indo-Sino Border, a posturing which is underscored by the activation of the S-400 air defense systems along the LAC, a system capable of striking the target from a distance of 400 kilometers.
As part of the exercise PRALAY, major combat assets including the Rafale fighter, Su-30 fighter jets, and other transport aircraft will be involved, including the recently acquired Rafale fighter. As there has been an increase in Chinese activity along the LAC, especially in Doklam and Tawang, the Indian Air Force is keeping an eye on the situation.
Having recently deployed a drone squadron in the northeast region of the IAF, it has been able to enhance its capability to monitor enemy activities along the Siliguri Corridor and the Sikkim Corridor. In the first week of February, another IAF exercise will be conducted, called Poorvi Akash, which will be held in conjunction with the exercise.
Exercise Poorvi Akash is an annual command-level exercise that is being held after a two-year hiatus owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, and the Indian Air Force’s Eastern Air Command controls the entire northeast airspace (AOR).