- Emergency Landing Facility activated at Sultanpur on Purvanchal Expressway in day–night drill
- Fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters showcase rapid-response capability
- IAF–UPEIDA–civil administration synergy boosts national security and disaster readiness
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, APR 23
In a striking display of operational readiness, the Indian Air Force activated an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, on April 22—successfully conducting both day and night operations.
The high-intensity exercise, witnessed by Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar and senior Air Force officials, including Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, demonstrated the IAF’s ability to convert highways into fully functional airstrips at short notice.
A diverse fleet of frontline aircraft, including Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, C-295 and AN-32, along with Mi-17 V5 helicopters and the elite Garud Commando team, carried out precision take-offs and landings on the expressway stretch, underscoring the force’s operational versatility.
The exercise validated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for rapid activation of such Emergency Landing Facilities in the shortest possible time frame—both during daylight and under night conditions.
The IAF emphasised that such operations significantly enhance its ability to conduct unhindered missions even in the absence of conventional runways, reinforcing operational resilience during contingencies.
“This operation has majorly boosted IAF’s capability to undertake unhindered operations even during non-availability of standard runways, showcasing its operational resilience.”
The drill also highlighted the seamless coordination between the IAF, the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), and the local civil administration, ensuring swift deployment and operational efficiency.
“These strategically developed airstrips on national expressways substantially augment operational flexibility and serve as critical force multiplier during emergencies, reinforcing national security and disaster response capabilities.”
Officials noted that the synergy between military requirements and civil infrastructure management enhances the viability of such highway airstrips while strengthening India’s strategic posture.
“The synergy displayed between the three organisations in the ELF activation, not only strengthens the overall strategic posture of the nation but also enhance the HADR capabilities in the region.”
The activation marks another step in India’s efforts to integrate defence preparedness with infrastructure innovation, ensuring rapid response in both military and humanitarian scenarios.
