Indian Air Force Conducts Emergency Landing Exercise on Purvanchal Expressway

The Indian Air Force has activated an Emergency Landing Facility on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, demonstrating its operational readiness through extensive drills. This exercise involved various aircraft and highlighted the Air Force's capability to operate without traditional runways. The collaboration between the Air Force, local administration, and the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority was crucial in optimizing the operational viability of highway airstrips, enhancing national security and disaster response capabilities. Read on to learn more about this significant exercise.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 20:11 IST

Emergency Landing Facility Activated

The Indian Air Force has successfully activated an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Purvanchal Expressway located in Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative was showcased through continuous day-and-night drills aimed at demonstrating operational readiness. The exercise was attended by Om Prakash Rajbhar, the Minister of Panchayati Raj and Minority Welfare of Uttar Pradesh, along with Air Marshal B. Manikantan, the Chief of the Central Air Command, and other officials who observed multiple aircraft landing and taking off on the expressway.

Diverse Aircraft Participation

A variety of aircraft participated in this exercise, including the Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, C-295, and AN-32, along with MI-17 V5 helicopters and Garuda commando teams. The Indian Air Force also verified standard operating procedures for rapidly activating such facilities both day and night, in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority and local civil administration.

Enhanced Operational Capability

Officials noted that this exercise significantly enhanced the Indian Air Force's ability to operate in the absence of traditional runways, highlighting its operational capacity and flexibility. It also demonstrated the professional flying skills of the aircrew and the readiness of ground teams to activate highway airstrips on short notice. According to statements, strategically developed airstrips on national expressways serve as force multipliers during emergencies, thereby strengthening national security and disaster response capabilities.

Collaborative Framework for Operational Viability

This exercise also highlighted the collaborative framework between the Indian Air Force, UPEIDA, and local administration in optimizing the operational viability of highway airstrips. Officials stated that the coordination among these three agencies would further bolster India's strategic position and enhance its capabilities.