"Capability To Operate By Night": IAF Operates Emergency Landing Facility In Kashmir Valley, Pan India ELF Activation Planned

Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft recently operated from the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in the northern sector in Kashmir valley. This was a part of the ongoing exercise Gagan Shakti-24.

ELF operations provide an opportunity for IAF aircraft to undertake operations from such restricted landing surfaces.

They also enable IAF to undertake Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Relief operations during times of natural calamities to provide succor and relief.

Ministry of Defence declared that a large number of troops were airlifted and subsequently air landed utilising Chinook, Mi-17 V5 and ALH Mk-III helicopters by night.

The capability to operate by night at these stretches of highways, and the capability to transfer troops from such surfaces will greatly enhance the operational capabilities of Indian Armed Forces.

There are plans to practice similar drills further in coordination with the administration of State Governments for the activation of ELFs in other sectors.

The coordinated landing and operations at these ELFs will be carried out by various IAF fixed and rotary wing platforms.

Defence Ministry said that good planning and coordination with civil administration is required in employing Whole-of-the-Nation-Approach (WNA).