IAF Achieves First Night Landing at Kargil Airstrip with C-130J Aircraft

The operation showcased advanced tactics such as terrain masking and served as a training mission for the Garuds, the IAF's special operations unit.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted a night landing of the C130-J transport aircraft at the Kargil airstrip, marking the first time a night landing has been carried out at this location.
The C-130J Super Hercules aircraft is an advanced tactical airlifter utilized by the IAF for special operations and humanitarian crises.
The Kargil airstrip is strategically positioned near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Ladakh region, between Dras on the west and Batalik on the east.
The IAF used terrain masking techniques during the flight, a tactic employed by pilots to hide from enemy radar by utilizing natural or man-made terrain to block the line of sight of radar.
The operation also served as a training mission for the Garuds, a special operations unit of the IAF.