IAF lands jet on Yamuna Expressway as part of user trial

The IAF has been considering the use of national highways for emergency landing by fighter aircraft

In a first, a Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully landed on the Yamuna Expressway near Mathura on Thursday, as part of trials to use national highways for emergency landing.

The aircraft landed around 6:40 am, IAF officers said, adding the force has plans to activate more such stretches on highways in the future.

IAF has been considering the use of national highways for emergency landing by fighter aircraft.

For Thursday’s trial, all facilities like make-shift air traffic control, safety services, rescue  vehicles, bird clearance parties and other requirements were set in place by IAF.

“The operation was conducted in coordination with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of Agra and Mathura,” an IAF statement said.

The aircraft first made a practice approach on the highway coming down to 100 metres before landing on the next approach. IAF officials said such landings can be carried out in emergencies if an active airport is not available under certain circumstances.