Srinagar, Marking a first in its operational capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted an overnight trial run on a 3.5 km-long emergency landing strip located on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in the Bijbehara area of the Islamabad district in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This exercise represents a significant step in utilizing highway strips for emergency landings and operations by the IAF.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the trial run involved at least nine drills executed by the IAF on the strip, commencing at approximately 03:45 am and concluding by 04:30 am. This unprecedented drill on the Srinagar-Jammu highway underscores the strategic importance of the region and the IAF’s efforts to enhance its operational readiness in occupied Kashmir Valley. Currently, the IAF operates out of Srinagar Airport and the Awantipora airbase for its fighter jet operations.

The official disclosed that during the trial, traffic was rerouted to ensure safety and minimize disruptions, while extensive security measures were enforced around the trial site. A three-tier security protocol was implemented, and the adjacent areas were thoroughly sanitized to facilitate the safe execution of the trials.

The primary objective of these overnight trials was to assess the strip’s feasibility for emergency landings, utilizing a Chinook helicopter for the purpose. The construction of this airstrip, completed in 2020 at a cost of Rs 119 crore, is part of a broader initiative by the IAF to utilize highways as alternative runways during emergencies, thereby enhancing its agility and response capabilities in critical situations.

This development is a testament to the evolving tactics and preparedness strategies of the Indian Air Force, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding national security interests across all terrains and conditions.