The Indian Air Force on Wednesday activated an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur district, carrying out operations by day and night to demonstrate its operational readiness.
The exercise was conducted in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Minister for Panchayati Raj and Minority Welfare Om Prakash Rajbhar, Air Marshal B. Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, and other officials, who witnessed multiple aircraft undertake landing and take-off operations on the expressway stretch.
A diverse fleet of aircraft, including Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, C-295 and AN-32, participated in the exercise, alongside the Mi-17 V5 helicopter and the Garud Commando team. The IAF, in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority and the local civil administration, also validated standard operating procedures for rapid activation of such facilities in both daytime and night-time conditions.
Officials said the exercise significantly enhances the IAF’s capability to conduct operations in the absence of conventional runways, underlining its operational resilience and flexibility. It also showcased the professional flying skills of aircrew and the preparedness of ground teams to activate highway airstrips at short notice.
Strategically developed airstrips on national expressways act as force multipliers during emergencies, strengthening national security and disaster response capabilities, the statement said.
The exercise also highlighted the collaborative framework between the IAF, UPEIDA and the local administration in optimising the operational viability of such highway airstrips. The synergy among the three agencies, officials said, will further bolster India’s strategic posture and enhance its
