IAF Takes Over Delhi Schools for High-Flying Defence Exercise

The government of Delhi has given the Indian Air Force (IAF) temporary permission to use 16 government school buildings to set up Mobile Observation Posts (MOPs) as part of a defence exercise between April 28 and May 2, 2025. The MOPs will act as 24/7 monitoring points to scan airspace activity, including hostile aircraft, with state-of-the-art communication equipment.

Aim: Enhance combined air defense readiness through actual time monitoring and communication arrangements within the "Delhi Integrated Air Defence Activation" exercise.

Timing: 24/7 functioning between April 28 and May 2, with schools extending accommodation (though not catering) for IAF staff.

Safety Measures: Principals should scrutinize ID cards and documents of all IAF staff prior to admitting them. Just Air Headquarters-approved personnel can enter.

Precedent: Such configurations are also seen on Republic Day and Independence Day functions, but this exercise's timing-decoupled from national functions-has led to speculation regarding intensified security preparations in the face of regional tensions.

Scope: The exercise covers the deployment of 455 MOPs in Delhi, with 16 schools being identified as major nodes for communication and surveillance.
While officials attribute regular preparedness, the drill falls in sync with no major public event, leading to speculation regarding possible strategic motives. A senior education department official indicated "wider defence readiness" tied to the geopolitical situation.

Sources: The New Indian Express, Millennium Post, The Wire, SSBCrack, Economic Times, Times of India, Times Now Hindi.