December 5 The enthralling journey of the Indian Army Microlight Flying Expedition, aptly named ‘NATEX K2K 2023-24,’ captivated audiences at the Air Force Station Jammu during its expeditionary sojourn.
Embarking on their challenging expedition from the Army Adventure Nodal Centre (Microlight & PHG), Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow (MP) on November 20, 2023, the expedition team reached Udhampur (Jammu & Kashmir) on December 1, 2023. A significant ‘Flag Off’ ceremony by the Army Commander marked a memorable moment as part of a ‘Curtain Raiser Event.’
Organized under the aegis of the Army Adventure Wing, the expedition commemorates the Silver Jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas and the Centenary of the Bombay Sappers War Memorial, paying homage to the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service of the Nation. It also aims to instil the spirit of adventure among the Indian Army and the youth of the Nation.
With the motto the team proudly hoists the national flag, alongside the Indian Army Flag and other banners, soaring high from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The expedition not only spreads the essence of adventure, courage, camaraderie, and teamwork but also serves as a symbol of national pride.Embarking on the second phase, the team made a stop in Jammu, where they orchestrated an action-packed Aero Show at the Air Force Station Jammu. The show, witnessed by a diverse audience, including school children, showcased precision manoeuvres, formation flying, and the display of flags and banners. The expert pilots of the Army Adventure Expedition, including Col Mankanwal Jeet Chawla, Lt Col Aby TM, Lt Col Jitender Siwach, and Hav A Saravanan, along with their young co-pilots, left the crowd in awe with adrenaline-pumping low-flying stunts.
The expedition will now proceed to its southernmost waypoint at Kanyakumari, passing over the iconic Ram Setu and navigating along the western coast to reach Pune, culminating the journey at BEG & Centre. The Pune leg of the expedition will also contribute to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.