The Air Force’s (IAF) C-17 Globemaster aircraft successfully landed on the Kargil airstrip on Wednesday for the first time. The trial landing marks a significant achievement for the IAF as it will increase the load-carrying capacity of the Air Force by more than four times.
The C-17’s ability to carry over 25 tonnes up to 35 tonnes in winter will enhance the IAF’s transport capacity, making it easier to move troops and military supplies to posts near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Previously, only AN-32 and C-130 aircraft operated on the Kargil airstrip, with capacities of 45 tonnes and 67 tonnes, respectively.
The larger capacity of C-17s means fewer flights are needed to transport goods.
The C-17 operated during the day initially, as the trial landing was conducted in daylight. In January last year, the IAF landed its transport aircraft C-130J at night for the first time, followed by fixed-wing aircraft operations and Garuda commandos using terrain masking techniques to avoid enemy radar detection.
Currently, C-17s operate from airbases in Srinagar and Leh, but if needed, they can now be deployed from Kargil. The Kargil airstrip is located at an altitude of 9,700 feet. During the Kargil War, Pakistani forces shelled this area too. Flanked by 14,000-15,000-foot-high hills, the airstrip presents operational challenges but remains vital for defence logistics.
Source: India Today