29-04-2023
The Indian Air Force rescued 121 individuals from a small airstrip in Wadi Sayyidna, Sudan, during an ongoing conflict.
The passengers had no means to reach Port Sudan, and the airstrip had a degraded surface with no navigational aids, fuel, or landing lights.
Group Captain Ravi Nanda led the operation, which was carried out by a C-130J Special Ops aircraft.
The aircrew used Electro-Optical/Infra-Red sensors to ensure the runway was clear and free of any hostile forces.
They carried out a tactical approach using night vision goggles in near darkness to land the aircraft safely.
Eight IAF Garud Commandos secured the passengers and their luggage into the aircraft while the engines were kept running.
The takeoff from the unlit runway was also carried out using NVGs, and the entire operation lasted approximately two and a half hours.
Central government grants 42 days special casual leave for organ donation