IAF achieves new record of highest skydive landing

New Delhi: On the occasion of its 88th anniversary on Thursday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) achieved a new record of the highest skydive landing at Khardungla Pass, Leh at an altitude of 17,982 feet, breaking its own earlier record.

A Defence Ministry release said on Friday that Wing Commander Gajanad Yadava and Warrant Officer AK Tiwari carried out successful skydiving jump from C-130J aircraft and landed at Khardungla Pass, Leh on October 8, 2020.

“The landing at such an altitude is extremely challenging due to low oxygen levels combined with low air density and rough and inhospitable hilly terrain. Both the Air Warriors have shown excellent professionalism, grit and determination in overcoming adverse conditions and achieving the grand success of setting a new IAF record,” the release said.

It said that IAF has always been promoting adventure activities for its personnel with an aim to instil the qualities of camaraderie, team spirit and physical and mental courage.