The Indian Air Force is set to operationalize a new emergency landing facility on a four-lane highway in Moran, Assam’s Dibrugarh, aimed at enhancing combat readiness in the North-East. This 4.2-km stretch of the National Highway, located near the Line of Actual Control, will provide strategic advantages to the IAF for bolstering its operations during emergencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially open this emergency landing facility on Saturday, facilitating the landing of various IAF aircraft, including Rafales and Sukhois.
The inauguration of the runway will witness PM Modi landing on the airstrip in an Air Force C-130J Super Hercules. In preparation for this event, IAF fighter jets recently conducted a trial landing at the highway airstrip, showcasing the capability of different aircraft types to utilize this emergency facility. The Air Force’s focus on enhancing combat preparedness includes the development of emergency landing facilities on highways across the country, with 28 such facilities already prepared.
The construction of these emergency landing facilities is part of the IAF’s efforts to strengthen its operational capabilities, particularly in anticipation of potential challenges like a two-front war scenario. These facilities are strategically positioned across various states, with completed facilities already inaugurated on national highways. The recent emphasis on emergency landing facilities underscores the IAF’s commitment to ensuring swift and effective responses to contingencies.
