C-130 aircraft lands at National Defence Academy

National Defence Academy (NDA) is an Iconic Institution and a global brand of excellence in the sphere of military education. NDA has a full fledged Airfield where the Air Force cadets undergo training in the Super Dimona aircraft. The airfield is also used for routine training and operational missions by the Mi 17 1V Medium Lift Helicopters, Chetaks and Army ALHs.

In order to enhance the operations envelope of the airfield to transport aircraft also, trials were undertaken by the pilots of the C-130 Aircraft by landing at the National Defence Academy for the first time on 23 September 2021. With the successful landing and takeoff, the classification of the airfield being capable of hosting air operations by frontline transport aircraft of the IAF has been ratified.

This milestone will go a long way in use of the airfield for both training and operational military aviation.