- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct Exercise PRALAY in the northeastern sector of India amid the unresolved contention with China about differing perceptions regarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between the two nations.
- The exercise will involve major air bases of the IAF in the northeast in addition to the recently deployed drone squadron.
- The Eastern Air Command, headquartered in Shillong, is one of the five operational commands of the Indian Air Force and controls air operations in the eastern sector.
- Its area of responsibility includes a 6300 km long international border with China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
- For this, the Indian Air Force has activated the S-400 Air Defense Squadron by deploying it in the area. The S-400 is capable of hitting targets up to 400 km away.
- Exercise PRALAY will involve major combat assets including the recently acquired Rafale fighter besides Su30 fighter jets and other transport aircraft.
- The Indian Air Force is monitoring the situation as there has been a significant increase in Chinese activity along the LAC in Doklam and Tawang.
- The recent deployment of a drone squadron of the Indian Air Force in the Northeast sector enhances its capabilities to monitor enemy movements along the Siliguri and Sikkim corridors.
Indian Air Force is set to conduct Exercise ‘PRALAY’ in the northeastern part of India
