The 4.2-km Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Assam's Moran is now part of India's military history. The reason? It is the first of its kind in the Northeast.
Developed at a project cost of nearly ₹100 crore, the ELF has been specially designed and constructed in coordination with the IAF to support the landing and take-off of military and civil aircraft during emergencies, an official statement said.
What is an ELF?
An Emergency Landing Facility is a specially designed and reinforced stretch of a public highway that can double as a functional runway for military aircraft. Such facilities ensure that army personnel can reach a particular region that has no regular runways during conflicts, emergencies, or natural disasters. While airbases could be taken out by an enemy’s pre-emptive strike, the availability of ELFs—which can withstand the take-off and landing of fighter jets and transport aircraft alike—means the military still has aerial counter-attack options available.
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The ELF in Assam's Dibrugarh district was inaugurated by PM Modi, who arrived in Assam on a day-long visit. He witnessed an aerial show featuring IAF fighter jets and transport helicopters. A Sukhoi-30 MKI was the first jet to take off, followed by a Rafale aircraft. The IAF's 'workhorse', the An-32 transport aircraft, performed a 'touch-and-go' manoeuvre. A three-aircraft set each of Sukhoi-30 MKI and Rafale then roared over the Moran sky in quick succession.
While one Sukhoi-30 MKI and one Rafale from the formation landed at the ELF, the other jets performed an overshoot during the display. The indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) demonstrated Special Heli-Borne Operations (SHBO) by dropping off commandos at the airstrip.
Geopolitical significance and disaster relief
Assam : IAF's Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets take off from Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh. PM @narendramodi witnesses India's air dominance on display.#Dibrugarh #Assam #IAF #Sukhoi #Rafale pic.twitter.com/9TeOIpXVn3
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 14, 2026
India has several ELFs across its landmass, including in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. However, the latest addition to the list is called historic since Assam serves as the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh, where border disputes with China remain unresolved. Its proximity to the "Chicken's Neck" (Siliguri Corridor) is also an important aspect to keep in mind, particularly in light of the strained relationship with Bangladesh. The availability of an ELF in the region ensures that the IAF can maintain air superiority in the eastern sector.
Beyond military utility, should another flood be reported in Assam, rescue operations could become easier as even large transport planes can now operate from these roads. The same applies to landslides or any other emergency reported in the region.
