Srinagar, Apr 2: In a demonstration of operational readiness and precision, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a flawless emergency trial landing of Chinook helicopters in the early hours of Tuesday on NH-44 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
The exercise, which included trial landings and take-offs, took place on a specially designated 3.5 km stretch of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway (NH-44) in the Bijbehara area of the district.
According to IAF sources, the Chinook helicopters were deployed for the operation, which was executed with remarkable precision and efficiency.
Elaborate security arrangements were put in place, with security forces deployed and technical equipment such as radars and CCTVs installed to ensure the smooth conduct of the trial run. A significant number of security personnel were stationed near the emergency landing facility and in its vicinity.
The highway clearance work was completed in advance, with teams from Health and Fire Services and other departments positioned near the strip to respond swiftly in case of any emergency.
The newly established facility holds strategic importance, serving as a crucial resource during wartime, flood situations, NDRF rescue operations, air-dropping of relief materials, transportation of stranded individuals, and other emergency scenarios.
Prior to the commencement of the landing and take-off exercise, the traffic department issued an advisory, suspending all traffic movement on the highway to facilitate the seamless execution of the operation.
