The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a historic drill on the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, UP, where fighter jets like Rafale, Sukhoi-30, MiG-29, and Jaguar successfully performed night landings and take-offs on Friday night. The exercise involved “Touch and Go” maneuvers, where aircraft briefly touched the runway before taking off again.

Why is This Significant?

Ganga Expressway is now India’s first expressway where fighter jets can land both day and night.
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In emergency situations, this runway can serve as an alternative airstrip.
India joins an elite group of nations capable of operating fighter jets on highways.
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Spectacular Air Show Highlights:

Earlier on Friday, C-130J Super Hercules, Mirage-2000, and MI-17 helicopters flew from Trishul Airbase (Bareilly). Army personnel practiced rappelling (rope descent) in a simulated combat scenario. Despite bad weather, thousands of spectators witnessed the thrilling display.

Strategic Importance:

This drill highlights the IAF’s combat readiness amid India-Pakistan tensions. If traditional airbases are destroyed in war or disasters, expressway runways will serve as backup landing sites.