New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday in order to test its wartime operational capability activated ‘Emergency Landing Facility’ (ELF) on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur district. The exercise was performed to bolster IAF’s defence readiness.
The takeoff and landing practice was performed by a diverse fleet of aircraft including Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, C-295 and AN-32, alongside Mi-17 V5 helicopter and Garud Commando team. IAF along with UPEIDA and the local civil administration, validated their Standard Operating Procedures for emergency activation of these ELFs in the shortest possible time frame — both by day and night.
Drill showcased IAF’s operational resilience
The exercise showcased IAF’s operational resilience while boosting its capability to perform operations even during non-availability of standard runways. It also demonstrated the professional flying skills of its aircrew and the capability of its ground crew in activating such expressway airstrips at a short notice.
The strategically developed 3.2 km airstrip on a national expressway augment operational flexibility and serve as critical force multiplier during emergencies, while reinforcing national security and disaster response capabilities.
The most important aspect of the exercise was the synergy displayed between IAF, UPEIDA and local administration. The collaborative framework optimizes the operational viability of such highway airstrips. It not only strengthens the overall strategic posture of the nation but also enhance the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities in the region.
Air traffic control system was set up near expressway
An air traffic control system was set up near the expressway to manage aircraft movement during the drill. The aircraft performed “touch and go” operations at the Arval-Kiri-Karwat airstrip. As a precaution, traffic on a 12 km stretch of the expressway has been diverted until May 1.
It is not the first drill by IAF on the expressway but similar exercises were held in June 2023. At that time Sukhoi and Mirage aircraft carried out “touch-and-go” operations on the airstrip.