A rattled Pakistan has issued a notice restricting multiple air traffic routes across its central and southern airspace, just as India prepares for a major tri-services exercise, Trishul, along the border.
While Islamabad has not stated any reason for its Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for October 28–29, defence analysts believe the move may be linked to a military drill or possible weapons test.
The development comes days after India announced a NOTAM for its large-scale tri-services exercise “Trishul” to be conducted near Sir Creek, along the Pakistan border, from October 30 to November 10.
Experts say such reciprocal NOTAMs have become a routine show of strategic posturing since Operation Sindoor, with both countries often signalling military preparedness through airspace advisories.
Pakistan has now issued a notification restricting multiple air traffic routes along its central & southern airspace possibly for a military exercise/weapons test as India prepares for its Tri-Services Exercise across the border
Date | 28-29 October 2025 pic.twitter.com/ucFeSTuWmk
— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) October 25, 2025
Satellite Images Reveal Scale of Trishul Drill
Satellite imagery shared by defence analyst Damien Symon indicates that the airspace reserved for the Trishul exercise extends up to 28,000 feet, suggesting one of the most significant joint operational drills in recent years.
“India has issued a notification for a Tri-Services Exercise along its western border with Pakistan, the chosen area & scale of activity are unusual,” Symon said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
India has issued a notification for a Tri-Services Exercise along its western border with Pakistan, the chosen area & scale of activity are unusual
Date | 30 October- 10 November 2025 pic.twitter.com/IsDdLs0x0k
— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) October 24, 2025
According to the Defence Ministry, the exercise aims to showcase the joint operational capability, atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and innovation of India’s armed forces.
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“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 exercises,” the Defence Ministry said.
The Army, Navy, and Air Force will carry out coordinated drills simulating amphibious assaults, air dominance, and integrated battlefield logistics — a key demonstration of India’s joint warfighting doctrine.
Pakistan’s Response Signals Close Surveillance
While military exercises are standard preparedness operations, Pakistan’s move to issue a NOTAM is seen as a strategic signal that it is closely monitoring India’s border manoeuvres.
The move follows Operation Sindoor, in which India conducted precision strikes on nine terror camps and 11 Pakistani military installations in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
India’s decision to stage the Trishul exercise near the Sir Creek–Sindh–Karachi axis carries strong geopolitical symbolism, especially after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s warning to Islamabad.
“If Pakistan dares to act in the Sir Creek sector, the reply will be so strong that it will change both history and geography,” Singh said during a Dussehra address at the IAF base in Bhuj.
Why Sir Creek Matters
The 96-kilometre-long Sir Creek is a disputed tidal estuary between Gujarat and Sindh, comprising marshland and creeks that are largely uninhabited and strategically critical.
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Control over the area influences maritime boundaries, fishing zones, and naval access routes in the Arabian Sea, making it a focal point in India-Pakistan border dynamics.
Recent intelligence reports have indicated increased Pakistani military infrastructure activity near the creek, further heightening tensions.
Exercise Trishul: Symbol of Strategic Confidence
Against this backdrop, India’s Trishul exercise represents not only defence readiness but also a strategic message of deterrence and capability. It underscores India’s intent to safeguard its maritime and territorial boundaries while strengthening inter-service coordination.
