Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Indian Army Turns Rajasthan Highway into Military Helicopter Runway
The Indian Army practised landing helicopters on a section of a highway in Rajasthan.
The highway was near Dantour and close to the India-Pakistan International Border.
Rudra, Dhruv and Chetak helicopters took off and landed there.
Normally, helicopters use airfields or special helipads.
This exercise taught crews how to use other safe places when needed.
Pilots had to consider wind, visibility, road conditions and available space.
Ground teams worked closely with the pilots to keep the exercise safe.
The training helps the Army prepare to move people and supplies in difficult situations.
Indian Army aviation units conducted highway landing and take-off drills on NH-911 near Dantour, Rajasthan.
Rudra, Dhruv and Chetak helicopters participated in the exercise close to the India-Pakistan International Border.
The training focused on operating from alternative landing areas when conventional airfields or helipads are unavailable or restricted.
Aircrews practised precise flight control while ground teams coordinated safety, landing and departure procedures.
The exercise highlighted military mobility, operational flexibility and preparedness for Rajasthan’s challenging desert environment.
- Who
- Indian Army aviation units, including aircrews and ground teams, conducted the drills.
- What
- A designated stretch of NH-911 was temporarily used for helicopter landing and take-off practice.
- When
- Tuesday, according to the article.
- Where
- Near Dantour in Rajasthan’s western desert region, close to the India-Pakistan International Border.
- Why
- To improve proficiency, air-ground coordination and the ability to operate from alternative landing areas during demanding circumstances.
- Location
- NH-911 near Dantour, Rajasthan
- Operational setting
- Rajasthan’s western desert region near the India-Pakistan International Border
- Participating helicopters
- Rudra, Dhruv and Chetak
- Training activity
- Highway landing and take-off drills
- Primary focus
- Alternative operating locations and air-ground coordination
- Environmental challenges
- Heat, dryness, dust, strong winds, difficult terrain and limited conventional infrastructure
- Temporary use
- A civilian and commercial highway stretch was converted into a controlled military aviation training area