In a powerful demonstration of military preparedness, the Indian Air Force successfully carried out a series of practice emergency landings and takeoffs on a national highway. This high-stakes drill was a key component of the ongoing 'Maha Gajraj' exercise conducted close to the sensitive India-Pakistan border on Tuesday.
Operation Details and Strategic Location
The exercise took place on a specially constructed airstrip on the Bharat Mala Expressway at Gandhav (Bakhasar). This location is strategically significant, situated near the Barmer-Jalore district border and approximately 40 kilometres from the international border with Pakistan. The operation highlighted the IAF's ability to adapt to dynamic war conditions and utilize unconventional runways.
An Impressive Fleet in Action
The drill featured a formidable lineup of the IAF's aircraft, showcasing its diverse capabilities. The participating fleet included the Sukhoi and Jaguar fighter jets, as well as the C-295 transport aircraft. These advanced machines performed their maneuvers on a 3-kilometre-long and 33-meter-wide highway strip, built to simulate an emergency wartime scenario.
Wing Commander Devendra Pandey provided details on the sequence of events. The exercise commenced with the C-295 transport aircraft performing a touch-and-go maneuver, followed by a full runway trial. The Jaguar fighter jet then executed a precise landing and subsequent takeoff. The drill culminated with the powerful Sukhoi fighter jet landing on the highway, taxiing, and then taking off again.
Assessing Operational Readiness
According to Wing Commander Pandey, the primary objective was to assess the viability of using such emergency landing strips during actual military operations. He confirmed that two out of the three aircraft involved in the exercise were fighter jets. This successful drill underscores the IAF's commitment to maintaining peak operational readiness and its capacity to respond effectively to emergencies, even in non-traditional settings.
