The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently activated one of its Emergency Landing Facilities (ELF) on National Highway-16 in Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in its operational capabilities and strategic infrastructure development.
The facility, designed to support the IAF in times of operational necessities and for conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations from remote locations, witnessed the successful operation of a range of IAF’s fighter and transport aircraft.
Aircraft including the state-of-the-art Su-30 MKI, the advanced jet trainer Hawk Mk 132, the reliable transport aircraft An-32, and the versatile Dornier Do-228, operated from this makeshift runway, demonstrating the IAF’s ability to rapidly mobilize and deploy its assets in various scenarios.
The activation of this ELF on NH-16 not only showcases the Indian Air Force’s readiness to extend its reach but also emphasizes the strategic importance of such facilities in enhancing the operational flexibility and rapid deployment capabilities of the IAF.
This initiative is a testament to the IAF’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of preparedness and its ability to operate from alternative and strategically located platforms, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of providing timely and effective responses during both national security challenges and humanitarian crises.
