In a striking demonstration of aerial prowess and operational readiness, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully executed its first-ever “land and go” drill on a specially designed 3.5-kilometre airstrip along the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur district on Friday.
The landmark exercise featured a diverse fleet of IAF aircraft, including cutting-edge fighter jets like the Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, and Jaguar, along with transport and support aircraft such as the AN-32, C-130J Super Hercules, and MI-17 helicopters. The drill highlighted the IAF’s ability to perform rapid deployments and landings on non-traditional runways in both combat and humanitarian scenarios.
Conducted in two phases—daytime and night—the operation included low-altitude fly-pasts, precision landings, and take-offs, showcasing not only combat readiness but also the capability to respond swiftly in disaster relief situations. A highlight of the event was a rare and visually stunning night landing demonstration carried out between 9 pm and 10 pm, underlining the force’s advanced night-flying capabilities.
The demonstration turned into a public spectacle, with thousands of spectators, including local residents and schoolchildren, lining the stretch of the expressway. Live commentary throughout the event provided insights into the aircraft and their roles, turning the display into an educational and engaging experience.
The airstrip, part of the under-construction 594-km Ganga Expressway, has been built to double as an emergency runway, a move aimed at strengthening both military logistics and disaster response mechanisms. With 250 CCTV cameras installed for continuous surveillance and rapid security response, the infrastructure is ready to support 24/7 air operations.
Once completed, the expressway will link Meerut to Prayagraj, significantly boosting economic activity in western and eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh. Scheduled for inauguration in November 2025, the Ganga Expressway is poised to become a key strategic and commercial corridor in northern India.
The successful drill marks a significant milestone in India’s defence preparedness, reinforcing the IAF’s ability to operate in diverse environments while showcasing the dual utility of modern infrastructure.
