Iran has issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) for a scheduled weapons firing exercise in the airspace over Tehran until August 14, reported the U.S. Defense Internet NOTAM Service (DINS) on Saturday night.
The no-fly order covers the OID29 area of Tehran, which is near the Nojeh Air Base in Hamadan.
The weapons firing exercises will take place from August 11 to August 14, 2024, between 04:30 and 14:30 UTC each day.
According to the alert, the exercises will occur from ground level up to 10,000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL).
All pilots are advised to avoid the area during those times.
Just in: Iran issued new NOTAM starting now, to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 24. pic.twitter.com/MvlOIU9qu1
— Terror Alarm (@Terror_Alarm) August 10, 2024
On Friday, Reuters cited an intelligence source saying that Russia had sent soldiers to Iran to train in the use of Iranian Fath-360 ballistic missile systems. Reuters reported that training is standard practice for Iranian weapons supplied to Russia.
Tensions in the region lead to warnings for pilots
Iran issued a previous NOTAM on August 5 warning aircraft about hazards on the route to the center, west, and northwest of the country.
On August 7, Egypt instructed all its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace for a three-hour period in the early morning, between 0100 and 0400 GMT, without providing further details about the NOTAM. An Egyptian official was quoted by the state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV station, saying that Iranian authorities requested to avoid flying in Iranian airspace due to “military exercises.”
The United Kingdom has issued NOTAM warnings to pilots flying over Beirut until November, Iran International reported last week.
Iran’s Recent NOTAM and Regional Military Activities: What to Expect
In a significant development, Iran has issued a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding military exercises involving weapon firing in its airspace over Tehran, scheduled from August 11 to 14, 2024. This action reflects heightened tensions and ongoing military engagements in the region, particularly given Iran’s recent collaboration with Russia.
The NOTAM highlights an area near the Nojeh Air Base and cautions pilots to avoid the space during specified hours. These exercises, taking place at altitudes up to 10,000 feet, signify Iran’s persistent efforts to bolster its military capabilities amid increasing geopolitical frictions.
Reports indicate that Russian soldiers have been dispatched to Iran to train with Iranian ballistic missile systems, further intensifying concerns among neighboring nations. The implications of this training extend beyond mere military exercise; they suggest a strategic deepening of ties between Iran and Russia, which could lead to a shift in power dynamics in the region.
Broader Implications for Air Travel and Regional Security
The issuance of multiple NOTAMs underscores a trend where aviation safety is becoming increasingly compromised by military activities in the Middle East. Following Iran’s warnings, Egypt has advised its airlines to steer clear of Iranian airspace due to potential military exercises, reflecting a cautious approach to aviation amidst rising tensions.
Moreover, the UK’s warnings to pilots operating over Beirut until November hint at a wider regional alertness as nations respond to the shifting military landscape. As regional conflicts continue to evolve, it is likely that we will see more frequent NOTAMs and restrictions in airspace, impacting both commercial and private flight operations.
This trend also points to a broader issue of military exercises becoming commonplace, potentially leading to increased aerial hazards for civilian air traffic. As military drills are planned and executed, aircraft operators must remain vigilant, adjusting flight paths and schedules accordingly.
In summary, the confluence of military drills, international training collaborations, and airspace restrictions signals a notable escalation in military readiness in Iran, which may have far-reaching effects on regional security and commercial aviation in the coming months.