New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft recently operated from the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in the northern sector in Kashmir valley as part of the ongoing exercise Gagan Shakti-24, which was kickstarted on April 2, 2024, and will go on till April 10. A large number of troops were airlifted and subsequently, air landed utilising Chinook, Mi-17 V5 and ALH Mk-III helicopters by night.
The Ministry of Defence stated today that the IAF also plans to practise similar drills in coordination with the administration of State Governments for the activation of ELFs in other sectors. It said that various IAF fixed and rotary wing platforms will carry out coordinated landing and operations at these ELFs, requiring good planning and coordination with civil administration employing Whole-of-the-Nation-Approach (WNA).
“ELF operations provide an opportunity for IAF aircraft to undertake operations from such restricted landing surfaces while also being able to undertake Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Relief operations during times of natural calamities to provide succour and relief,” the Ministry said. It added that the capability to operate by night at these stretches of highways, and the capability to transfer troops from such surfaces will “greatly enhance” the operational capabilities of Indian Armed Forces.
– global bihari bureau
