India has launched a series of large-scale military exercises spanning over six regions nationwide, involving all three branches of its Armed Forces—the Army, Navy, and Air Force. These drills, some of the largest in recent history, focus on enhancing operational readiness along strategic land and coastal borders near Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh, as well as in central and northeastern regions. The exercises underscore India's commitment to strengthening defence capabilities amid regional geopolitical dynamics.
Exercise Trishul 2025
Exercise Trishul 2025, a major tri-service operation, is underway along the Pakistan border in Rajasthan and Gujarat, including the Sir Creek region in the Rann of Kutch. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued from Oct 30 to Nov 13, 2025, supports this extensive drill. The Indian Navy is deploying 20–25 warships, including a carrier, destroyers and missile corvettes, to conduct gunnery, missile-firing, and amphibious landing operations along the Gujarat coast and northern Arabian Sea. The Indian Air Force (IAF) contributes approximately 40 fighter jets, while over 30,000 defence personnel participate, making Trishul 2025 India's largest joint military exercise to date. The operation aims to enhance integrated maritime and air-land combat readiness.
Exercise AstraShakti
The Indian Army’s Northern Command conducted Exercise AstraShakti in late October 2025 in the Moldo–Chushul sector of Ladakh, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. This high-altitude exercise tested long-range precision artillery, swarming drones, counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and commando operations to ensure terrain readiness in challenging conditions. AstraShakti focused on bolstering India’s defensive posture in the strategically sensitive Himalayan region.
Exercise Sentinel Strike
The Indian Army’s South Western Command executed a three-day exercise, Sentinel Strike, at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, toward the end of October 2025. This drill showcased integrated firepower and manoeuvre tactics, featuring long-range indigenous artillery, attack helicopters, Ajeya (T-72) tanks, and BMP infantry fighting vehicles. Designed to simulate intense drone-threat environments, Sentinel Strike demonstrated preparedness for modern battlefield scenarios along the western border.
Exercise Romeo R1: Central India Air Drills
Exercise Romeo R1, a series of IAF-led air operations, is being conducted across Central India, with multiple NOTAMs issued to secure airspace. The exercise unfolds in three phases:
o Phase 1 (Nov 3–28, 2025): Establishes the core operational window, covering regions of Madhya Pradesh
o Phase 2 (Nov 4–7, 2025): A high-altitude drill with airspace restrictions up to 46,000 feet (FL460), focusing on advanced air manoeuvres.
o Phase 3 (November 10–12, 2025): A tactical airspace exercise, likely involving simulated air operations, with restrictions up to 18,000 feet.
These phases, validated by a comprehensive NOTAM map, emphasize IAF’s air dominance and operational coordination in Central India.
Strategic Missile and Aerial Exercise in the Bay of Bengal
A strategic missile test and aerial exercise are scheduled in the Bay of Bengal, off the Odisha coast near the Bangladesh maritime border, from Nov 3 to 14. It is likely testing long-range missile systems, potentially Agni-series or hypersonic platforms. The Indian Air Force will lead this effort, reinforcing India’s deterrence capabilities.
Northeastern Air Force Exercises
The IAF has issued a NOTAM for large-scale air exercises across India’s northeastern region, bordering China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Running from November 2025 through January 2026, this multi-phase operation aims to enhance air defence and operational readiness in the strategically vital northeastern corridor. The exercise is confirmed to involve significant air assets to strengthen India’s eastern defences.
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