Indian Air Force Activates Pan-India Emergency Landing Facilities During Gagan Shakti-24 Exercise
Indian Air Force Activates Pan-India Emergency Landing Facilities During Gagan Shakti-24 Exercise
In a significant development during the ongoing Gagan Shakti-24 exercise, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully activated the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in the Kashmir valley's northern sector. This operation saw the nocturnal airlifting and landing of a considerable number of troops using Chinook, Mi-17 V5, and ALH Mk-III helicopters.
Looking ahead, the IAF is set to conduct similar drills across various sectors in collaboration with state government administrations. These exercises will involve the coordinated landing and operations of IAF's fixed and rotary wing platforms at the ELFs, necessitating meticulous planning and coordination with civil administrations. This initiative adopts the Whole-of-the-Nation-Approach (WNA) and aims at bolstering the IAF's operational capabilities by utilizing restricted landing surfaces. Additionally, these ELF operations underscore the IAF's readiness to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief during natural calamities, offering critical support and relief. The ability to operate at night on these highway stretches and to transport troops significantly enhances the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces.