The Indian Air Force successfully operationalised an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Purvanchal Expressway, showcasing its ability to conduct air operations beyond conventional airbases.
Enhancing Operational Flexibility
The exercise demonstrated:
- Capability to use highways as alternate runways
- Enhanced operational preparedness and mobility
- Rapid deployment during emergencies and contingency scenarios
High-Level Presence
The drill was witnessed by:
- Om Prakash Rajbhar, Minister for Panchayati Raj and Minority Welfare
- Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command
- Deepak Kumar, CEO of UPEIDA
along with senior civil and military officials.
Civil-Military Synergy on Display
The exercise highlighted seamless coordination between civil authorities and the armed forces, ensuring efficient mobilisation and execution of operations.
Strengthening National Readiness
The initiative reinforces India’s preparedness to:
- Maintain air operations during wartime or disasters
- Enhance strategic flexibility
- Improve infrastructure utilisation for defence purposes
Towards Future-Ready Air Power
The exercise reflects the Indian Air Force’s commitment to building a resilient, agile, and future-ready force capable of responding swiftly to evolving threats.
