New Delhi: For the first time, an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft conducted a night landing at the high-altitude Kargil advanced landing ground near the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
The night landing of this tactical lift aircraft, carrying elite Garud commandos, demonstrated the IAF’s operational capabilities in this strategically crucial sector, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The night landing recently took place, marking the first instance of a transport plane conducting a night landing at the Kargil airstrip. The IAF mentioned on ‘X’, “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.”
The Kargil airstrip, located at an altitude of around 10,500 feet, played a crucial role during the 1999 Kargil conflict. It is strategically positioned between Dras on the west and Batalik on the east, both major flashpoints during the conflict.
The Defense Ministry has been focusing on enhancing infrastructure at airfields along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs), in line with operational requirements.
Special attention is given to the Daulat Beg Oldi ALG, located at an altitude of 16,700 feet, and the Nyoma airstrip, situated at around 13,000 feet.
The night landing of the C130J holds significance for the Air Force in many ways. The use of terrain masking, a tactic involving the use of natural or man-made terrain to hide from enemy radar, was crucial during the operation.
The surrounding hills, ranging from 14,000 to 15,000 feet, were utilized to conceal the aircraft’s movement.
Notably, the IAF used the C-130J to airlift Garud commandos, a special operations unit, highlighting the capability to conduct clandestine or covert operations even at night.
This operation involved the use of night vision goggles and infrared thermal imagery for landing, with terrain masking being a key tactic in ensuring operational success.
In 2013, the C-130J also landed at the world’s highest airfield at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) in Ladakh’s Depsang Valley, showcasing the IAF’s capabilities in challenging terrains.
