Indian glory: Air Force successfully lands fighter jet on the Yamuna Expressway

In a first of its kind for military aviation in India, the IAF conducted a successful trial of landing a combat jet – the Mirage 2000 on the Yamuna Expressway near Mathura. 

The multi-role aircraft shuttle took off from the Gwalior regiment of the Indian Air Force. The trial run was performed in the presence of district magistrates and superintendents of police from Agra and Mathura.

Facilities such as make shift Air Traffic Control, safety services, rescue vehicles, bird clearance parties and other requirements were set in place by the IAF. 

The aircraft made a practise approach on the highway, before coming down to a height of 100 metres before landing off the next approach.

The six-lane Yamuna Expressway on the outskirts of the capital connects to Agra in Uttar Pradesh. The jet landing stalled traffic on the highway for a few hours, according to reports.

The IAF has been considering the use of national highways for emergency landing by fighter aircraft.