An Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J aircraft achieved a historic night landing at the challenging Kargil airstrip. The IAF shared a video of the event, stating, “In a first, an IAF C-130 J aircraft recently carried out a night landing at the Kargil airstrip. Employing terrain masking enroute, the exercise also dovetailed a training mission of the Garuds.”
While specifics of the training mission were not disclosed, the IAF highlighted the use of terrain masking during the flight.
The night landing of the tactical lift aircraft with the elite Garud commandos on board at the Kargil airstrip demonstrated the IAF's operational capabilities in the strategically crucial sector, reported PTI.
The night landing was carried out recently.
While IAF aircraft have operated from the advanced landing ground before, it was the first time that a transport plane made a night landing.
Where is the Kargil airstrip located?
The Kargil airstrip, situated amidst the challenging Himalayan terrain at an elevation exceeding 8,800 feet, presents unique challenges for pilots. Negotiating the high altitude, unpredictable weather, and formidable winds demands exceptional precision and skill during the landing process.
The defence ministry has also been focusing on enhancing infrastructure at almost all airfields along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including the Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) as per operational requirements.
It is especially boosting infrastructure at the Daulat Beg Oldi Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) as well as the Nyoma airstrip.
The Daulat Beg Oldi ALG is located close to the LAC at an altitude of 16,700 feet and is known as the highest airfield in the world.
Temperatures in Daulat Beg Oldi drop up to minus 40 degrees Celsius during harsh winter months.
The Nyoma airfield is located at a height of around 13,000 feet.
Previous landings
This accomplishment follows the IAF's successful landing of two Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 ‘Super Hercules’ military transport aircraft at a rudimentary airstrip in Uttarakhand last November. The mission involved navigating inclement weather to deliver heavy engineering equipment for the rescue of workers trapped in a mountain tunnel.
