The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Western Air Command (WAC) has embarked on its annual training exercise, “Trishul,” commencing on September 4th. This exercise is a significant event that involves the activation of all air assets and force multipliers across a vast expanse, spanning from the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The primary objective of the Trishul exercise, scheduled to run until September 14th, is to validate the operational preparedness of the Western Air Command. This entails the mobilization and utilization of all frontline assets, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, and various force multipliers. The exercise will be conducted at a high tempo, simulating real-world scenarios to assess the readiness of the command.
A noteworthy aspect of this exercise is a planned temporary pause during the G-20 summit. This pause will coincide with the summit to ensure that the armed forces remain on high alert, aligning with the high-profile international event and the associated threat perception.
Since the onset of the ongoing standoff with China in eastern Ladakh in May 2020, the Indian military has undergone a significant strategic reorientation. This shift has redirected its focus from the historical emphasis on Pakistan to the evolving challenges posed by China. The Indian Air Force, in particular, has maintained a heightened operational tempo during this period.
As tensions escalated in eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army undertook a substantial mobilization effort, and the IAF played a pivotal role by deploying its entire transport fleet. This effort included the airlift of over 68,000 troops, 330 infantry vehicles, more than 90 tanks, and artillery guns. This extensive logistical support underscored the IAF’s commitment to enhancing India’s defense posture.
Recent developments have also raised geopolitical tensions. China’s release of the “2023 edition of the standard map of China” drew international attention. This map continues to depict the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region as within China’s borders. India strongly protested this depiction, highlighting the ongoing border disputes between the two nations.
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