Why is IAF conducting fighter jets’ landing & take-off drill at Ganga Expressway in UP?
In a recent exercise, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted take-off and landing drills on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, showcasing its ability to utilize the expressway as an alternative runway in times of war or national emergencies. The exercise, which included fighter jets like the Rafale, was a significant milestone in the IAF’s efforts to assess the expressway’s potential as a makeshift airstrip.
The Ganga Expressway, which connects the state capital Lucknow to Prayagraj, is the first expressway in India equipped to handle both day and night landings of fighter jets. The IAF’s exercise was a testament to the expressway’s capabilities, with fighter jets taking off and landing at the expressway at both day and night.
The exercise was conducted to assess the expressway’s potential as an alternative runway during times of war or national emergencies. The IAF is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to enhance its operational capabilities, and the Ganga Expressway’s ability to handle fighter jets makes it an attractive option for emergency situations.
The exercise was a significant departure from the IAF’s traditional methods of conducting take-off and landing drills, which typically take place on designated airbases. The use of the Ganga Expressway as a makeshift airstrip is a testament to the IAF’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and utilize unconventional assets.
The Ganga Expressway’s ability to handle fighter jets is a result of extensive modifications made to the expressway’s infrastructure. The expressway was designed with a 100-meter-wide and 12-meter-high median, which allows for fighter jets to take off and land safely. The expressway’s surface was also modified to include a specialized layer of asphalt, which provides the necessary traction for fighter jets to land and take off safely.
The exercise was a significant achievement for the IAF, as it demonstrated the force’s ability to utilize unconventional assets in times of war or national emergencies. The exercise also showcased the IAF’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and utilizing new and innovative technologies to enhance its operational capabilities.
The use of the Ganga Expressway as a makeshift airstrip also has significant implications for national security. In times of war or national emergencies, the expressway could be used as a safe and secure landing strip for fighter jets, providing the IAF with a critical advantage in terms of operational flexibility.
The exercise was also a significant economic boost for the region, with local businesses and residents benefiting from the increased visibility and attention brought by the IAF’s exercise. The exercise also provided a unique opportunity for the local community to witness the IAF’s capabilities firsthand, fostering a greater appreciation for the force’s role in national security.
In conclusion, the IAF’s exercise on the Ganga Expressway was a significant achievement, showcasing the force’s ability to utilize unconventional assets in times of war or national emergencies. The exercise demonstrated the IAF’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and utilizing new and innovative technologies to enhance its operational capabilities. The use of the Ganga Expressway as a makeshift airstrip also has significant implications for national security, providing the IAF with a critical advantage in terms of operational flexibility.
News Source:
https://x.com/DDNewslive/status/1918232746507243775
