The Indian Air Force (IAF) has activated a pan-India Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) as part of its ongoing exercise Gagan Shakti-24. Recently, IAF aircraft operated from the ELF located in the northern sector within the Kashmir valley, as announced by the Defence Ministry on Thursday.
This activation involved a significant number of troops being airlifted and air-landed, utilising Chinook, Mi-17 V5, and ALH Mk-III helicopters, particularly during night operations.
The ministry also disclosed that similar drills are planned to be conducted in coordination with state governments across other sectors to activate ELFs. This endeavour will involve various IAF fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms conducting coordinated landing and operations at these facilities.
Such operations necessitate meticulous planning and coordination with civil administration, emphasising a Whole-of-the-Nation Approach (WNA).
Emergency Landing Facility operations serve a dual purpose for the IAF. Not only do they allow aircraft to undertake operations from restricted landing surfaces, but they also enable the IAF to engage in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations during natural calamities. This capability ensures that the IAF can provide crucial succour and relief during times of crisis, enhancing the nation's disaster response capabilities.
The statement from the ministry highlights the significance of operating on these highways by night and transferring troops from such surfaces. These capabilities represent a significant enhancement to the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces.
Overall, the activation of the pan-India Emergency Landing Facility underscores the IAF's commitment to ensuring robust operational capabilities and readiness across various sectors of the country.
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