Introduction
The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked a historic moment by inaugurating India’s first-ever road runway capable of handling both day and night fighter jet landings. The newly constructed airstrip, located on the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was the stage for an impressive aerial exercise involving the IAF’s top aircraft, from Rafales to Jaguars.
India’s First Night-Capable Highway Runway
This 3.5-kilometre-long airstrip on the 594-kilometre Ganga Expressway is a pioneering development in India’s civil-military infrastructure. Built with advanced lighting and navigation systems, including CAT II Instrument Landing System (ILS), the runway enables safe fighter jet operations even under low visibility and night conditions.
It is the fourth operational highway airstrip in Uttar Pradesh after those on the Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, and Bundelkhand expressways. However, it stands out as the first to support night operations, symbolizing a leap in India’s air force deployment capabilities.
IAF Fighter Jet Mega Drill: Aircraft in Action
The IAF’s demonstration featured a stunning array of its most powerful aircraft, underscoring the flexibility and readiness of the force. The list of jets and aircraft participating includes:
- Rafale
- Sukhoi-30 MKI
- Mirage-2000
- MiG-29
- Jaguar
- C-130J Super Hercules
- AN-32 Transport Aircraft
- MI-17 V5 Helicopters
These aircraft conducted day-to-night take-off and landing drills in two phases to validate the airstrip’s operational capabilities. The exercises also included flypasts over the expressway, offering a live demonstration of India’s emergency readiness strategy.
Strategic and Civil Significance
This airstrip was built with specialised materials to bear the load of heavy-duty military aircraft and includes reinforced pavements and precision approach lighting. The initiative reflects not only defence preparedness but also serves a dual purpose: aiding disaster response and emergency evacuation when conventional runways are unavailable.
Security at the event was tight, with 250 CCTV cameras monitoring the site. Over 500 schoolchildren, public officials, and defence dignitaries attended the inauguration, emphasizing the public’s role in celebrating national defence advancements.
Conclusion
With the Ganga Expressway airstrip now operational for night landings, the Indian Air Force has taken a significant step toward enhanced mobility, strategic deterrence, and emergency response. This milestone reflects India’s commitment to innovation in defence infrastructure and its preparedness to tackle both natural and man-made crises.
As India faces evolving security threats, such initiatives reinforce the country’s combat readiness and technological edge, ensuring that its skies remain protected—day and night.
Related Read: India’s Defence Readiness Advances with Highway Runways
