New Delhi: In a first, the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s fighter jets conducted flypast and landing exercises on the newly constructed Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur today. With exercise continuing again between 7 pm to 10 pm, the state has become the first in the country to have a night landing facility for fighter jets at any expressway.
Notably, the air show is being organised at the expressway to check its potential at the time of any war. This exercise is being considered very crucial amid tensions between India and Pakistan in recent days. As per the state government, the exercise will be conducted in two phases, during day and also at night. Among those who will attend the event are Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his council of ministers.
#WATCH | Shahjahanpur: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is conducting take-off and landing exercises on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh
The exercise is being organised to assess the expressway’s potential as an alternative runway during times of war or national emergencies. pic.twitter.com/0a7rIGg4Sv
— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2025
IAF jets performing low fly-past
As per officials, IAF fighter jets will touch down and take off from expressway during the day and also between 7 pm and 10pm. The IAF jets will also perform a low fly-pasts at an altitude of just one metre. Issuing a statement, the IAF had earlier said, “Notably, this will be the first airstrip in the country designed to support day and night landings of fighter aircraft, making it a strategic asset for defence preparedness. It will also serve as the Air Force’s training and rehearsal base.”
#WATCH | Shahjahanpur: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is carrying out a flypast on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. The Air Force is conducting take-off and landing exercises here.
The exercise is being organised to assess the expressway’s potential as an alternative runway… pic.twitter.com/0xu5cx54Rg
— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2025
Earlier on Thursday, the officials of the Indian Air Force (IAF) took over operational control of the express way, along with those from UP Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). Among the fighter jets that are taking part in the event include – Rafale, SU-30 MKI, Miraj-2000, Mig-29, Jaguar, C-130J, AN-32, MI-17 V5 Helicopter, among others.