The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday activated an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) airstrip on National Highway 16 near Addanki in Andhra Pradesh's Bapatla district. The IAF conducted the activation on Monday, March 18, said an official.
It showcased the ‘high level of synergy and liaison’ between civil agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), district administration, state police and the Indian Air Force towards the conduct of complex multifaceted activities.
The 4.1 km long and 33-m wide concrete airstrip was constructed by the NHAI based on specifications provided by the IAF.
The Emergency Landing Facility airstrips enhance the flexibility of air operations during contingencies and are invaluable assets during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in far-flung areas, read an official statement.
The ELF in Andhra Pradesh has been recently operationalised in peninsular India, while other airstrips in different parts of the country are already operational.
During the activation, the Su-30 and Hawk fighters successfully carried out overshoots, while An-32 and Dornier transport aircraft landed and subsequently took off from the strip, the statement added.
Sharing multiple videos of the activation, PRO Shillong under the Ministry of Defence, wrote on X, “Elevating preparedness, inspiring excellence! On 18 March 2024, @IAF_MCC fighter & transport aircraft carried out operations on an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) airstrip on National Highway 16 near Addanki in Bapatla district.”
#IndianArmedForces #CapabilityBuildingElevating preparedness, inspiring excellence !On 18 March 2024, @IAF_MCC fighter & transport aircraft carried out operations on an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) airstrip on National Highway 16 near Addanki in Bapatla district. @EAC_IAF pic.twitter.com/bHytRC21Rw
— PRO Shillong, Ministry of Defence (@proshillong) March 19, 2024
“#IndianAirForce showcased their prowess with flawless operations on an Emergency Landing Facility. It'll enhance the flexibility of air ops during contingencies & are invaluable assets during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief ops,” it added.
Earlier, such an activation was conducted on December 29, 2022.
The Indian Air Force, and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways are working jointly for making Emergency Landing Facility airstrips at suitable locations across India, the IAF said.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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