JAISALMER: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has started preparations for landing fighter planes on the national highways.
In an initial trial, the Air Force on Friday landed two fighter helicopters between Gandhav and Agdava in Chitalvana area in Jalore on the runway made under Bharatmala project. Officers of IAF and NHAI along with Jalore police administration were present and had made strict security arrangements.
In war and emergency situations, by landing fighter planes and helicopters on national highways, IAF can give successful shape to some operations. The defence ministry and road transport ministry together had made a scheme for the purpose.
On the request and recommendation of the defence ministry, the road and transport ministry identified around two dozen highways in the country where fighter planes can be landed in case of warlike situations.
A senior Army officer and a senior officer of NHAI said that such national highways have been identified in Rajasthan where fighter planes can land. Bharatmala national highway passing from Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Barmer, Bikaner, Jalore, etc., is included in Rajasthan. These places have not been revealed at present.
