Port Blair, April 29: Aviation infrastructure at INS Utkrosh has undergone significant enhancements with the installation of several equipment under the Project MAFI (Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure) conceived at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi and executed under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC). This includes new Airfield Lighting System (AFLS), Cat II

Approach Lighting System (ALS), Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI), coupled with the Glide Path (GP) of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) recently installed by AAI, Port Blair has become a Precision Instrument Runway capable of landing during night and poor visibility conditions.

Additionally, the Commissioning of Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN) and Precision Approach Radar (PAR) herald a quantum jump for safety and operations of military flights, including fighter operations. These developments make Utkrosh Airfield fully capable of handling both day and night operations.

Overall, apart from its strategic importance, these developments mark a crucial step in improving regional connectivity and strengthening the UDAN scheme, benefiting islanders and enabling tourists to visit and explore exotic places in North Andaman and Nicobar islands.