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IAF Successfully Conducts Night Combat Drills on Ganga Expressway Airstrip in Shahjahanpur
Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh: The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully carried out a series of night-time combat drills involving fighter jets on the Ganga Expressway airstrip in Shahjahanpur district, marking a significant milestone for India’s aviation capabilities, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The exercise, conducted between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm on Friday, saw multiple fighter jets, including the Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and M-32, executing touch-and-go landings and simulated combat operations on the 3.5-kilometer airstrip located near Piru village under the jurisdiction of Jalalabad Police Station.
Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi stated, “Multiple fighter jets successfully completed sorties during the night operational exercise. The drill included precision landings, coordinated take-offs, and tactical maneuvers by various aircraft, ensuring readiness for combat situations.”
To ensure the security and smooth execution of the drill, over 250 CCTV cameras were installed along and around the airstrip. “These measures allowed for constant surveillance and quick response in case of any emergencies,” he added.
During the exercise, traffic on the Bareilly-Etawah route, which intersects the Ganga Expressway, was halted for nearly three hours. In addition to the fighter jets, some aircraft were seen landing with the assistance of ropes lowered from helicopters, followed by ground tactical operations.
Despite challenging weather conditions, including strong winds, the drill was completed successfully. The operations were notably smoother and more efficient during the night, Dwivedi remarked.
Initially scheduled for two days, the exercise was completed in one night, with IAF officials determining that the objectives had been met early. “The second day of the program was canceled as the drill’s goals had already been achieved,” Dwivedi said.
Additional District Magistrate Arvind Kumar further noted, “Fighter jets conducted touch-and-go landings near the VIP camp before taking off again. Over 1,000 workers from the Panchayati Raj Department were deployed along a 40-kilometer stretch to ensure the airstrip was clear of animals and other obstacles.”
Locals in nearby fields watched the historic event with great enthusiasm. “This was a momentous occasion for Shahjahanpur,” Kumar commented.
The airstrip, part of the Ganga Expressway project, was recently inspected by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and has been confirmed to support both day and night fighter jet operations. The Ganga Expressway, a 594-kilometer project connecting Meerut and Prayagraj, was approved in September 2021 with an estimated cost of ₹36,230 crore. Though the project is currently behind schedule, it is a significant development in India’s transportation and defense infrastructure.
The Ganga Expressway airstrip’s successful operation is expected to bolster India’s defense capabilities and preparedness, particularly for swift air operations in critical areas.
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