IAF test run: Emergency landing strip on Srinagar-Jammu highway goes live

Srinagar: Amidst the persistent threat from both China and Pakistan, the Indian Air Force conducted the first test-run of aircrafts on a 3.5 km emergency landing strip on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Two US-manufactured Chinook, one Russian-made Mi-17 and two Advance Light helicopters (ALH) of the IAF landed on the Wanpoh-Sangam stretch of the National Highway, an official said. At least nine trials were conducted on the strip during Tuesday night, during which the helicopters landed at the stretch and carried an exercise of picking up troops lying on the ground.

The maneuver required precision and coordination as the helicopters made their descent and their rotor blades slicing through the crisp mountain air under the watchful eyes of seasoned pilots and ground crew.

Chinook helicopters, which have a top speed of 310 km/h and a travel range of 741 km, are used for heavy lifting and the main cabin can hold over 33 fully-equipped troops. It can also be used for medical evacuation and has space for 24 stretchers.

The Mi-17 helicopters can accommodate up to 35 troops. The ALH is an indigenously developed utility aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with a twin-engine. It is used for casualty evacuation.

Previously, only Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan had operational Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) strips. The air strip’s strategic location and operational readiness makes it a key asset for the IAF in J&K.

The 3.5-km emergency landing strip was constructed as part of a joint initiative by the IAF and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Work on the strip began in 2020 and was completed late last year.

The highway, typically bustling with civilian traffic, now serves a dual purpose, highlighting the military's adaptability and resourcefulness. The drill served as a poignant reminder that even amid adversity, the IAF is ready to face any challenge that may arise from across the borders.

“The airstrip is a vital part of the IAF’s infrastructure in Kashmir,” a senior IAF official said who also added, “The airstrip is crucial for supporting military operations, especially in the context of the volatile security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.”