IAF Showcases Operational Readiness With Flypast On Ganga Expressway

In a significant display of preparedness and civil-military coordination, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday carried out a series of take-off and landing exercises on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh.

The operation took place on a specially prepared 3.5-kilometre-long airstrip in Shahjahanpur, marking a major milestone in dual-use infrastructure development.

The IAF further deployed several of its advanced fighter and transport aircraft—including Rafale, Jaguar, and Mirage jets for the drill.

These aircraft further executed low fly-pasts, followed by precision landings and rapid take-offs, thereby demonstrating the airstrip’s readiness to support combat aircraft in critical situations.

Expressway To Serve As Emergency Runway

Designed with defence needs in mind, the airstrip is part of India’s first expressway capable of handling day and night landings of fighter jets.

Officials further confirmed that the Ganga Expressway could serve as an alternative runway during wartime or national emergencies, offering strategic advantages in rapid deployment.

The district administration announced that the air show will take place in two distinct phases: one during daylight hours and another from 7 PM to 10 PM to assess the airstrip’s night landing capabilities.

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Fighter jets will notably fly past at low altitudes just one metre above the ground, before carrying out landing and take-off manoeuvres, and they will repeat the sequence after sunset.

To ensure complete security and seamless coordination, the Indian Air Force assumed operational control of the airstrip ahead of the event.

Approximately 250 CCTV cameras have been installed along both sides of the runway.

Air Force personnel worked closely with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) to manage logistics and oversight.

First In The Nation With Night Landing Capability

The Ganga Expressway now holds the distinction of being the first expressway in Uttar Pradesh and across India capable of supporting night-time fighter jet landings.

This advancement represents a major leap in the Indian Air Force’s ability to conduct around-the-clock operations.

This exercise marks a crucial step in strengthening India’s defence readiness.

By leveraging infrastructure projects like the Ganga Expressway, the country is entering a new era of strategic civil-military integration—enhancing both national security and rapid response capabilities.