The Indian Army has demonstrated the ability of its aviation units to operate from unconventional locations by conducting helicopter landing and take-off drills on National Highway 911 (NH-911) near Dantour in Rajasthan.
The exercise, conducted on September 29, involved Rudra, Dhruv and Chetak helicopters associated with the Army’s Sapta Shakti Command. The helicopters used a designated portion of the highway for landing and take-off, providing aircrews with an opportunity to practise operations away from conventional military airfields and established helipads.
The activity took place in Rajasthan’s western region near the India-Pakistan border. Operating helicopters from a highway requires coordination between aircrews and ground personnel, including the preparation and management of the temporary landing area.
The Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information highlighted the exercise as a demonstration of operational flexibility and the potential of dual-use infrastructure to support military requirements. The drill showed how suitable sections of existing road networks can provide alternative locations for helicopter operations when required.
The helicopters participating in the exercise represent different capabilities within Army Aviation. The Dhruv is an indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), while the Rudra is the armed version of the Dhruv platform. The Chetak is a light utility helicopter manufactured by HAL and derived from the Alouette III design.
The use of NH-911 for the drill also underlines the importance of rehearsing aviation procedures in environments that differ from permanent military facilities. Such exercises can help air and ground crews familiarise themselves with temporary operating locations and the coordination required for safe helicopter movements.
The exercise came around the 10th anniversary of the Indian Army’s 2016 surgical strikes across the Line of Control. The strikes followed the September 18, 2016, terrorist attack on an Army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 19 soldiers were killed.
By conducting helicopter operations from NH-911, the Army demonstrated another element of its aviation preparedness in the western sector. The exercise also highlighted the potential role of road infrastructure in supporting military aviation operations alongside conventional facilities.
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