In a strategic move aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a series of trial runs on a 3.5 km-long emergency landing strip along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to an official, the IAF executed at least nine trial landings on the strip during the night, with operations commencing around 03:45 am and concluding by 04:30 am.
“Traffic was diverted through an alternative route to facilitate the trial runs, while strict security measures were implemented with areas on both sides of the strip being completely sanitized, and a three-tier security arrangement put in place,” the official stated.
The trials, conducted with precision by the IAF, aimed at assessing the feasibility of emergency landings, utilizing the versatile capabilities of the Chinook helicopter. The Chinook, operated by the Indian Air Force, is renowned for its heavy-lift capacity and is instrumental in various military operations, including troop transport, disaster relief, and logistics support. The construction of the airstrip, initiated in 2020 at a cost of Rs 119 crore, signifies a significant milestone in bolstering the region’s infrastructure for emergency response. The strip’s strategic location renders it instrumental not only for military purposes but also for facilitating rescue and relief operations during natural calamities.
The successful trial runs underscore the commitment of the Indian Air Force to continually enhance its operational readiness and responsiveness, ensuring the safety and security of the region while augmenting capabilities for swift disaster management and relief efforts.