UNNAO (UP): Fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) today performed breathtaking touch-and-go landings on a stretch of the Lucknow-Agra Expressway here, displaying the force’s capability to use highways in case of an emergency.
Over a dozen IAF planes, including Mirage 2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters and C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft weighing 35,000 kg, took part in the three-hour-long exercise near Bangarmau in the district, about 65 km from Lucknow.
The drill simulated an emergency situation when airbases, the first target of bombs and missiles, would not be available for air operations, necessitating use of highways as landing strips.
Garud commandos, a wing of the IAF’s special forces, landed along with their vehicle in a Super Hercules, securing a landing zone as part of the exercise. The transport aircraft then took off.
The commandos took “positions” on either side of the expressway to secure “the airstrip” for the fighter aircraft.
The top-of-the-line Sukhoi 30 MKIs and Mirage 2000s took off after touching down on the highway.
As the exercise came to a close, a Super Hercules again landed on the highway and took off with the commandos. (AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
