For the first time, the Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globe Master aircraft landed on the Kargil airstrip. According to sources, its first trial landing was made on Wednesday which was successful. This is a major achievement. It will increase the load carrying capacity of the Air Force by more than four times. It will now be easier to transport soldiers and goods to several army posts near the Line of Actual Control. Roads are closed for several months when it snows. During this time, Air Force’s aircraft are the only means of transporting goods, military supplies, and troops. So far, the load on the Kargil airstrip has been carried only through AN-32 and C-130 aircraft. The AN-32 can carry about 4-5 tonnes of weight while the C-130 can carry about 6-7 tonnes of weight. But the C-17 Globe Master has a load carrying capacity of more than 25 tonnes. In winter, this capacity increases to up to 35 tonnes. While the C-130 will have to make four rounds to deliver the goods, the C-17 will make one-round.
Capabilities tested for night landing
According to sources, the C-17 landing has been trialed during the day. This means it can initially be used only during the day. In January last year, the Indian Air Force landed its transport aircraft C-130J on the Kargil airstrip. This was the first time it happened during the night. Later, a fixed wing aircraft landed in Kargil during the night. During this exercise, Garuda commandos were also deployed. They worked on terrain masking. Terrain masking means using natural things like terrain i.e. mountains, forests to avoid enemy radar. This allows troops to be deployed and carry out their operation without being caught by enemy radar. So far, C-17s are being operated from Srinagar Airbase and Airbase in Leh. Now, if required, its operation can also be carried out from Kargil. Kargil Air Field is located at an altitude of 9700 feet. During the Kargil war, Pakistanis also did artillery shelling on this air strip. It is located in the West of Dras and the East of Batalik. This air strip has hills on both sides and 14,000 to 15,000 feet high. Which makes this airfield challenging.
