Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to significant military movements and heightened alert levels on both sides of the border. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has stated that Pakistan is redeploying troops, potentially in preparation for an offensive, while Pakistan accuses India of planning an imminent military invasion.

In response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has increased its military presence along the border with India. Reports indicate that the PAF has deployed its Saab Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to maintain surveillance over the region, signaling a state of high alert and anticipation of a potential Indian response. This deployment includes the activation of air bases and the use of Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) platforms to monitor Indian communications. Sources suggest that the PAF has launched AWACS operations near the Indian border, stretching from Rajasthan to the Jammu sector, as a preemptive measure against possible Indian retaliation.

Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has stated that the country has significantly reinforced its military posture in anticipation of what he claims to be an impending Indian cross-border offensive. He emphasized that Pakistan has elevated its forces to the highest state of operational readiness, warning that the country's nuclear weapons would only be employed if an existential threat materializes.

India, on the other hand, has accused Pakistan of initiating unprovoked small arms fire across the Line of Control (LoC). Despite these actions, India has stated its commitment to non-escalation, provided that Pakistan reciprocates. However, the IAF has observed Pakistani ground forces mobilizing towards forward areas, "indicating an offensive intent to further escalation". India maintains that its armed forces are in a high state of operational readiness and have carried out precision strikes only at identified military targets in response to Pakistani actions.

Amid these tensions, both countries have been conducting military exercises. The IAF's Exercise Akraman is underway over central India, while the Air Force has also issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for Exercise Dhruvtara. Pakistan has also been holding air warfare drills in its southern command region, deploying fighter aircraft, including Chinese J10Cs, JF-17 Block 3, and American F-16C Block 52.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for de-escalation and a return to the ceasefire agreement reached in February 2022. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has discussed the Pahalgam terror attack with his British counterpart, David Lammy, underlining the importance of zero tolerance for terrorism.