IAF successfully lands aircraft using night vision goggles in Eastern sector

NEW DELHI: In a first, the Indian Air Force has successfully landed a plane in the Eastern sector using Night Vision Goggles (NVG). "IAF C-130J aircraft carried out a successful Night Vision Goggles aided landing at an Advanced Landing Ground in the Eastern sector." IAF posted in its X account.

The Eastern sector of the Air Force comprises the northeastern states of India such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Sikkim, West Bengal and Bihar. The Air Force also oversees the protection of the 6300 km long international border with China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Achieving another significant milestone, an #IAF C-130J aircraft carried out a successful Night Vision Goggles aided landing at an Advanced Landing Ground in the Eastern sector.#IAF continues to expand capabilities, reinforcing commitment to safeguard nation's sovereignty by… pic.twitter.com/nMAbDnWPhR

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 23, 2024

The Air Force says NVG technology enables safer and more effective low-light operations. Officials say it also enhances the force's ability to effectively conduct night missions.

Earlier this year, a C130-J aircraft successfully made a night landing at the Kargil airstrip. This was the first time the Air Force had conducted such an operation at an airstrip located near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Ladakh region.

Air Force had flown AN32 multi-purpose transport aircraft from Kargil Airstrip for public transport via Kargil, Srinagar and Jammu and Kashmir, but night landing facilities were not available at Kargil Airstrip.

During the Sino-Indian War of 1962, the An-12s of the Air Force's 43 Squadron operated in Kargil, Leh and Thoise in Ladakh.