Government today said that Pakistani military planes violated Indian air space twice this year and a total of 23 such incidents took place in the last three years.In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Defence Minister A K Antony ,however denied that there has been an increase in incidents of air space violation by aircraft of Pakistani defence forces.

The Minister was asked whether incidents of violation of international air space rules at Indo-Pak border by the planes of Pakistan defence forces are rising and the frequency of such violations by Pakistan during the last three years. Mr. Antony said, all such violations are analysed and taken up with concerned country through laid down channels as per established procedures.

Giving details of the violation of air space, Mr.Antony said the Pakistani military aircraft violated Indian air space eight times in 2009. Maximum number of these incidents took place in 2010 when the Pakistani planes transgressed into the Indian territory on 11 occasions. In 2011, two incidents were reported.

In reply to a question on recent military exercise Shoor Veer along the western border, Mr. Antony said, the exercise was conducted as part of periodic training event to practice battle drills and procedures in the designated areas of training. He said,the exercise was conducted in Suratgarh in Rajasthan from April 20th to May 5th and elements of Indian Air Force also participated in it.