Infrastructure – PM Modi Observes IAF Air Display at Assam Airstrip
Infrastructure – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended a live aerial demonstration by the Indian Air Force at the newly developed Emergency Landing Facility in Assam’s Dibrugarh district.
The Prime Minister, who was on a day-long visit to the state, inaugurated the 4.2-kilometre-long airstrip at Moran earlier in the day. The facility is the first of its kind in the Northeast and has been designed to support both military and civilian aircraft operations during critical situations.
Aerial Demonstration Highlights Operational Readiness
Shortly after the inauguration, the sky above Moran witnessed a carefully coordinated air show lasting over 20 minutes. Fighter jets and helicopters carried out precision drills, showcasing their ability to operate from the newly built strip under emergency conditions.
A Sukhoi-30 MKI initiated the sequence with a smooth take-off, followed by a Rafale fighter aircraft. Both aircraft types later conducted low passes and manoeuvres that reflected operational agility and coordination. Observers present at the site described the demonstration as a clear indication of the facility’s readiness for high-performance aircraft.
In a later segment of the display, formations of three Sukhoi-30 MKI jets and three Rafale aircraft flew in succession across the airspace. One aircraft from each formation landed on the strip, while the remaining jets executed overshoot procedures, simulating real-world operational scenarios.
Transport Aircraft and Helicopters Join Exercise
The Indian Air Force also deployed its An-32 transport aircraft, widely used for carrying troops and equipment. The aircraft performed a “touch and go” operation, briefly landing before taking off again without coming to a complete stop. This manoeuvre demonstrated the strip’s capability to handle transport missions in urgent circumstances.
Advanced Light Helicopters were part of the display as well. In one drill, the helicopters carried out Special Heli-Borne Operations, dropping commandos onto the airstrip to simulate tactical deployment. Another set of helicopters demonstrated relief and medical evacuation procedures, underlining the facility’s role in disaster response and humanitarian missions.
Strategic Importance for the Northeast
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier stated that this was the first time such an extensive operational exercise was conducted at an Emergency Landing Facility in the region. According to him, around 16 aircraft took part in the coordinated display.
Officials indicated that the project was developed at a cost of nearly Rs 100 crore. Built in coordination with the Indian Air Force, the airstrip is intended to function as a backup landing site during emergencies and to enhance operational flexibility in the Northeast.
The region’s geographical location and proximity to international borders make aviation infrastructure particularly important. Authorities believe the facility will strengthen connectivity and improve response capabilities during natural disasters or other critical events.
Designed for Dual Use and Emergency Operations
The Emergency Landing Facility has been engineered to accommodate both defence and civilian aircraft when required. In situations where conventional airports may be unavailable, the strip can serve as an alternative landing point. This dual-use capability is expected to add a new dimension to aviation infrastructure in the region.
Saturday’s event combined formal inauguration with a practical demonstration of how the airstrip can be used in real-time operations. The display aimed to underline preparedness and highlight coordination between civil authorities and the armed forces.
With the completion of the Moran facility, Assam now joins a select group of states equipped with advanced emergency aviation infrastructure. Officials say such projects are part of a broader effort to enhance regional resilience and strengthen strategic capabilities in sensitive zones.