In a significant display of operational readiness, the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed an emergency trial landing of Chinook helicopters in the early hours of Tuesday on NH-44 in J&K’s Anantnag district.
The exercise took place on a specially prepared 3.5 km stretch on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway (NH-44) in the Bijbehara area. IAF sources confirmed that Chinook helicopters were utilized for the operation, which was executed flawlessly with precise accuracy.
Elaborate arrangements were put in place for the trial run, including the deployment of security forces, installation of radars, CCTVs, and other technical equipment to ensure the smooth execution of the exercise. A significant number of security personnel were stationed near the emergency landing facility and its surroundings.
Preparatory work on the highway strip was completed in advance, with teams from various departments such as Health and Fire Services deployed in the vicinity. This facility is anticipated to be invaluable during times of conflict, natural disasters like floods, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescue operations, air dropping of relief materials, transportation of stranded individuals, and other emergency situations.
Prior to the exercise, the traffic department issued an advisory suspending all traffic on the highway, ensuring the safety and success of the operation.
