Indian Air Force is also honing its combat skills with the annual ‘Aakraman’ (attack) exercise, with different fighter jets led by omni-role Rafales as well as other aircraft, over central India. The number of ORPs (operational readiness platforms) at IAF air bases has also been increased.
IAF Carries Out ‘Aakraman’ Exercise
Operational Readiness and High Alert
- Indian armed forces are maintaining a high state of operational readiness.
- Heightened tensions with Pakistan have led to increased vigilance.
- Both nations’ navies conducted firing drills in their respective waters in the Arabian Sea.
Army Chief’s Visit to J&K
- Who: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.
- When: Scheduled to visit Jammu & Kashmir on Friday.
- Purpose:
- Review operational situation along the 778-km Line of Control (LoC).
- Assess ongoing counter-terror operations in the hinterland.
- Locations:
- Udhampur-based Northern Command.
- Srinagar and Anantnag.
India’s Military Options
- India is keeping several military options open for potential limited punitive strikes against Pakistan.
- Less-escalatory options include:
- Breaking the ongoing ceasefire.
- Conducting targeted fire assaults on Pakistan Army posts and bunkers across the LoC.
Indian Navy‘s Response
In a parallel show of strength, the Indian Navy on Thursday, April 24, successfully conducted a missile test from its newest indigenously built guided missile destroyer, INS Surat, in the Arabian Sea. The warship launched a Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) that hit a low-flying, sea-skimming target with precision, showcasing India’s advanced targeting capabilities and operational readiness.
LoC and Simla Agreement
- Pakistan announced the suspension of the 1972 Simla Agreement.
- This agreement had transformed the then ceasefire line into the LoC.
- Both sides had agreed not to alter the LoC unilaterally.
- The validity and future of the LoC now face uncertainty.
