To keep the border strong, the Indian Air Force will carry out a mega exercise covering the Northeastern region early next month to check its combat readiness, amid a fresh spike in tension with China along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh.

The exercise 'Poorvi Aakash' is expected to involve the IAF's frontline fighter jets, including the Rafale and the Su-30MKI aircraft, and other assets deployed in the region, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday.

The Shillong-headquartered Eastern Air Command will carry out the exercise. "Eastern Air Command will be conducting its annual Command-level exercise during the first week of February," said an Indian Air Force (IAF) official.

This exercise is being conducted after a gap of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "The exercise will involve the activation of the command's fighter, helicopter and transport assets towards routine practice of aerial drills, including joint exercises," the official said.

To keep the border strong, the Indian Air Force will carry out a mega exercise covering the Northeastern region early next month to check its combat readiness, amid a fresh spike in tension with China along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh.

The exercise 'Poorvi Aakash' is expected to involve the IAF's frontline fighter jets, including the Rafale and the Su-30MKI aircraft, and other assets deployed in the region, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday.

The Shillong-headquartered Eastern Air Command will carry out the exercise. "Eastern Air Command will be conducting its annual Command-level exercise during the first week of February," said an Indian Air Force (IAF) official.

This exercise is being conducted after a gap of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "The exercise will involve the activation of the command's fighter, helicopter and transport assets towards routine practice of aerial drills, including joint exercises," the official said.