Fighter Jets Roar Over Ganga Expressway: IAF Conducts Historic Night Landing Drill in Shahjahanpur

Historic Military Exercise on the Ganga Expressway

On Friday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a groundbreaking combat drill on the airstrip built along the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. For the first time in Indian history, fighter jets performed night landings on an expressway, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military preparedness and infrastructure utilization.

Fighter Jets Touch Down on Expressway Airstrip

Around 12:41 PM, an AN-32 military transport aircraft was spotted circling above the airstrip. Five minutes later, it successfully touched down, followed by a swift takeoff at 1:08 PM. Over the next hour, fighter jets including the Rafale, Jaguar, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, MiG-29, and Mirage 2000 performed impressive maneuvers and touch-and-go landings on the 3.5-kilometer-long stretch near Piru village in Jalalabad.

At 2:15 PM, a MI-17 V5 helicopter deployed troops using rope-slithering techniques, adding a combat simulation element to the event. The grand air show concluded by 2:30 PM.

Shahjahanpur gets India’s first night-landing airstrip for training of fighter planes

Shahjahanpur has made history by becoming home to India’s first expressway-based airstrip capable of supporting night landings for fighter planes. Constructed on a 3.5-kilometer stretch of the Ganga Expressway near Jalalabad, this advanced airstrip marks a major leap in the Indian Air Force’s preparedness for round-the-clock operations. Designed for both day and night combat readiness, the facility enables real-time training and emergency response scenarios, ensuring that fighter jets like Rafale, Sukhoi, and Jaguar can conduct seamless landings under low-visibility conditions—an unprecedented capability on any civilian expressway in the country.

Read This: IAF begins landing drills on Ganga Expressway in UP’ s Shahjahanpur

First-Ever Night Landings on an Expressway

One of the most notable achievements of the event was the night landing capability demonstration. Around 9 PM, fighter jets began landing operations in the dark—a first for any expressway in India. This advanced capability proves that the Ganga Expressway airstrip is operational under all weather and time conditions.

To ensure safety and surveillance, over 250 CCTV cameras were installed along both sides of the runway. The Air Force had taken operational control of the strip days in advance to prepare for this elaborate exercise.

Key Fighter Jets Participating in the Drill

Here’s a breakdown of the major aircraft involved in the exercise:

1. Rafale

• Equipped with cutting-edge electronic warfare systems.
• Carries long-range Meteor missiles.
• All-weather operational capability.

2. Sukhoi Su-30MKI

• Twin-seater fighter jointly developed by India and Russia.
• Capable of carrying BrahMos missiles.
• Suited for long-range precision strikes.

3. Mirage-2000

• French-origin aircraft ideal for high-speed deep strikes.
• Nuclear-capable and combat-proven.

4. MiG-29

• High-speed jet with radar-evading features.
• Effective for air superiority missions.

5. Jaguar

• Specialized in ground attack and anti-ship missions.
• Renowned for precision in low-level strikes.

6. C-130J Super Hercules

• Heavy transport aircraft.
• Used for special force deployments and disaster relief operations.

7. AN-32

• Ideal for transporting troops and equipment in high-altitude areas.

8. MI-17 V5 Helicopter

• Versatile for search and rescue, medical evacuation, and humanitarian missions.

Air Show Mesmerizes Local Residents

The event drew enthusiastic crowds, including local residents and schoolchildren. For nearly two hours, Shahjahanpur’s skies echoed with the roar of fighter jets. The visuals of aircraft slicing through the air and touching down on a civilian expressway created a sense of awe and national pride.

Why This Airstrip Is Special

This airstrip on the Ganga Expressway is the first in India designed for both day and night fighter jet operations. It is envisioned as an alternative runway in case of war or national emergencies. The ability to use expressways as auxiliary airbases enhances India’s strategic mobility and rapid response capabilities.

Challenges and Weather Conditions

Initially, weather conditions posed a challenge. Shahjahanpur experienced strong winds and dust storms, while Jalalabad remained relatively clear. Despite the threat of rain and delays, the weather eventually turned favorable, and the exercise proceeded smoothly.

Strategic Importance of Ganga Expressway

The 594 km long Ganga Expressway stretches from Meerut to Prayagraj, passing through Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, and Pratapgarh. In Shahjahanpur alone, the expressway crosses 44 villages. The 3.5 km airstrip in Jalalabad will serve as a critical piece of infrastructure for both civilian and military use.

Event Timeline

Time	Event
12:41 PM	AN-32 aircraft spotted in the air.
12:46 PM	AN-32 successfully landed.
1:08 PM	AN-32 took off.
1:29 PM	C-130J Super Hercules landed and took off.
1:41 PM	Jaguar performed a touch-and-go.
1:50–2:10 PM	MiG-29, Su-30MKI, Rafale took turns landing.
2:15 PM	MI-17 V5 helicopter deployed troops.
2:30 PM	Air show concluded.
9:00 PM onward	Night landing operations conducted successfully.

Conclusion

The successful execution of fighter jet operations, especially during nighttime, on the Ganga Expressway reflects India’s growing military capabilities and infrastructure readiness. As the Ganga Expressway nears public inauguration, its dual-use potential is already proving to be a strategic asset for national defense.