The Indian Air Force has launched “land and go” drills on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities. This 3.5-km stretch is the country’s first to support both day and night fighter jet landings. The exercise features multiple IAF aircraft performing low fly-pasts, landings, and take-offs, aimed at boosting operational flexibility and ensuring 24/7 combat readiness.
New Delhi : The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday launched its much-awaited “land and go” drill on a 3.5-km stretch of the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, marking a landmark achievement in India’s defence preparedness. This stretch stands out as the country’s first expressway segment equipped to handle both day and night fighter jet landings, significantly enhancing India’s combat readiness.
Previous Drills on Other Expressways : Earlier, similar emergency landing operations were conducted on the Lucknow-Agra and Purvanchal Expressways, but those exercises were restricted to daytime only. The current Ganga Expressway drill involves a fleet of IAF aircraft, including Rafale, SU-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, C-130J Super Hercules, AN-32, and MI-17 V5 helicopters.
Security and Surveillance Measures : To ensure comprehensive security, over 250 CCTV cameras were installed along the expressway for real-time surveillance and rapid response. High-ranking defence and state officials were present during the operation, which featured multiple fighter jets performing flyovers and landing trials under tight security.
India’s First Expressway-Based Airstrip : The Ganga Expressway is India’s first expressway to be equipped with a full-fledged airstrip capable of supporting fighter aircraft landings round the clock. This development represents a major step toward strengthening India’s infrastructure for emergency military operations.
Emergency Landing Facilities in Jammu and Kashmir : In April last year, the IAF conducted its first test-run of a 3.5-km emergency landing strip on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Bijbehara, Anantnag. Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters successfully landed on the Wanpoh-Sangam stretch, showcasing India’s expanding network of Emergency Landing Facilities (ELFs).
The project, initiated in 2020 and completed in 2024, is a joint effort between the IAF and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to establish ELFs across the country. Additional security personnel were deployed along the route to prevent unauthorized access during operations.
Capabilities of IAF Helicopters
The US-made Chinook helicopter, capable of flying at 310 kmph, is used for heavy-lift missions and can carry over 33 fully armed troops or 24 stretchers for medical evacuations. The Russian-made Mi-17 helicopter can transport up to 35 personnel and is commonly used in disaster relief and rescue missions.
IAF’s ELF Initiative and Civil-Military Coordination
The IAF’s ELF drills highlight the seamless coordination between civil agencies, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), district administration, state police, and the Indian Air Force. These joint efforts aim to ensure the successful execution of complex, large-scale operations essential for national defence and disaster response.