Uttar Pradesh has set a national precedent by becoming the first state in India to enable night-time landings of fighter aircraft on an expressway. The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently conducted successful trials on a dedicated 3.5-kilometre-long airstrip built along the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur. This move significantly boosts India's defence preparedness by providing alternative landing facilities during emergencies or wartime scenarios.
Overview Of Ganga Expressway
The Ganga Expressway is one of India's largest greenfield expressway projects, designed to link Meerut in Western Uttar Pradesh to Prayagraj in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Total Length: 594 kilometres
Districts Covered: 12 (Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Raebareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj)
Strategic Benefits:
Enhances East-West road connectivity across Uttar Pradesh.
Integrates with major expressways like Yamuna, Agra-Lucknow, and Purvanchal Expressways.
Improves access to Delhi from Eastern UP.
Supports rural connectivity, industrial growth, agriculture, and tourism.
Aims to drive inclusive regional development.
Importance Of Airstrip
The newly built airstrip on the Ganga Expressway adds a critical layer to India’s national defence architecture. It is equipped for both day and night operations, making it the first expressway airstrip in India with night-landing capabilities for fighter jets. This capability ensures rapid deployment of air assets and provides the IAF with flexible alternatives during critical situations.
Two-Phase Trial By IAF
The airstrip underwent comprehensive testing in two phases:
Day Trials: Fighter jets executed low-altitude fly-bys and operational drills.
Night Trials (7 PM–10 PM): Evaluated landing systems, lighting, and readiness under low-light conditions.
This dual-phase trial approach confirmed the airstrip’s readiness for real-world military use.
Aircraft Featured In Trials
The IAF deployed a fleet of advanced aircraft to test the airstrip, including:
Rafale: Equipped with cutting-edge avionics and long-range strike ability.
Sukhoi SU-30 MKI: Designed for multi-role missions and long-range strikes.
Mirage-2000: A strike fighter suitable for deep penetration missions.
MiG-29: Known for its maneuverability and speed.
Jaguar: Used in tactical ground attacks.
C-130J Super Hercules: Supports troop and cargo transportation.
AN-32: Adapted for high-altitude transport operations.
MI-17 V5: A key asset for rescue and logistics.
Context And Broader Significance
This is the fourth airstrip-enabled expressway in Uttar Pradesh, after the Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, and Bundelkhand Expressways. However, it is the first to support night landings, setting a benchmark in India’s military readiness. The airstrip enhances strategic flexibility for the armed forces and contributes to national security in Northern India.
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