IAF Demonstrates Night and Day Operations on Purvanchal Expressway, Boosting Emergency Combat Readiness

In a powerful display of operational readiness and strategic innovation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully activated an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur district on April 22, 2026—conducting aircraft operations seamlessly both during the day and at night.

The exercise marked a significant milestone in India’s defence preparedness, showcasing the IAF’s ability to operate in non-conventional environments and maintain mission continuity even in the absence of standard airbase infrastructure.

Senior dignitaries, including Uttar Pradesh Minister for Panchayati Raj and Minority Welfare Shri Om Prakash Rajbhar and Air Marshal B. Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Central Air Command), were present to witness the high-intensity operations.

Diverse Fleet Demonstrates Operational Versatility

The exercise featured a wide spectrum of IAF platforms, underlining the force’s operational flexibility. Aircraft involved included:

• Jaguar and Mirage-2000 fighter jets

• Sukhoi-30 MKI multirole fighters

• C-295 and AN-32 transport aircraft

• Mi-17 V5 helicopters

• Garud Commando teams

These assets conducted coordinated take-off and landing drills on the expressway strip, validating the IAF’s ability to deploy and sustain operations across varied terrains and scenarios.

Round-the-Clock Capability Validated

A key highlight of the exercise was the successful execution of night-time operations, a complex undertaking that requires advanced navigation systems, precision flying, and high coordination between air and ground crews.

The drills confirmed that the ELF can be activated and made operational within a short timeframe, both during daylight and in low-visibility conditions—an essential capability in modern warfare and emergency scenarios.

Strategic Boost to National Security

The activation of the ELF significantly enhances India’s defence posture by enabling aircraft to operate from highways during:

• Wartime contingencies

• Natural disasters

• Airbase incapacitation scenarios

Such expressway-based airstrips act as force multipliers, ensuring that air operations remain uninterrupted even if conventional runways are compromised.

“This operation has boosted the IAF’s capability to undertake unhindered operations even during non-availability of standard runways,” officials noted.

Seamless Civil-Military Coordination

The exercise also demonstrated strong coordination between multiple stakeholders, including:

• Indian Air Force

• Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA)

• Local civil administration

Together, they validated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for rapid activation of emergency landing facilities, ensuring readiness for real-world contingencies.

This collaborative framework ensures that civil infrastructure can be effectively leveraged for defence purposes, maximising resource utilisation and operational efficiency.

Enhancing Disaster Response Capabilities

Beyond military applications, ELFs play a crucial role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. In times of natural disasters, these airstrips can facilitate:

• Rapid deployment of relief materials

• Evacuation of affected populations

• Quick mobilisation of rescue teams

The Purvanchal Expressway ELF is therefore not just a military asset but also a vital component of India’s disaster management framework.

A Growing Network of Strategic Airstrips

India has been steadily developing highway-based emergency landing strips across key expressways as part of its long-term defence strategy. These dual-use infrastructures enhance operational resilience while integrating civilian and military planning.

The successful activation in Sultanpur reinforces the effectiveness of this model and sets a benchmark for future projects.

Strengthening Operational Resilience

The exercise highlighted the professional excellence of IAF aircrew and ground personnel, who executed complex operations with precision and speed. It reaffirmed the force’s readiness to respond swiftly to emerging threats and dynamic operational environments.

As geopolitical uncertainties and hybrid threats evolve, such capabilities ensure that India remains prepared, agile, and resilient.