Sudan conflict: Daring night operation carried out by Air Force C-130 aircraft
Image Source : ANIIn a daring operation carried out by an IAF C-130J aircraft rescued 121 personnel from a small airstrip at Wadi Seidna, which is about 40 km North of Khartoum.
Image Source : ANIThe convoy was led by the Indian Defence Attaché, who was in continuous touch with IAF authorities all along, till they reached the airstrip at Wadi Seidna.
Image Source : ANIThe airstrip has a degraded surface, with no navigational approach aids or fuel, and most critically or landing lights (that are required to guide an aircraft landing at night).
Image Source : ANIThe aircrew used their electro-optical or infra red sensors to ensure that the runway was free from any obstructions and no inimical forces were in the vicinity. Following this, the aircrew carried out a tactical approach on Night Vision Goggles, on a practically dark night.
Image Source : ANIUpon landing, the aircraft engines were kept running while eight IAF Garud Commandos secured the passengers and their luggage into the aircraft.
Image Source : ANIThe operation approximately took two and a half hour between Wadi Seidna and Jeddah will go down in IAF history for its sheer audacity and flawless execution - akin to that carried out in Kabul.
Image Source : ANINext : 'Operation Kaveri' in full swing to rescue Indians from Sudan