The C-17 globemaster of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday landed at the Dimapur airport in Nagaland with the fourth consignment of critical medical load for the state government, amid the lockdown against coronavirus COVID-19. The C-17 globemaster is the IAF's largest transport aircraft with a capacity to airlift up to 70 tons.


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The medical load was also received by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) Advisor Kazheto Kinimi. He thanked and highly appreciated the IAF  team and crew working under high-risk conditions for the continuous support given to Nagaland State Government.


It is pertinent to mention that the Hindon-based C-17 globemaster aircraft has also recently flown missions to Wuhan in  China, the epicentre of COVID-19, to drop medical aid and evacuate stranded Indian nationals. In addition, it has also flown similar missions to Iran. Manufactured by Boeing of 81 Squadron ‘SKYLORDs’, it is equipped with strategic capabilities and special operations including quick special troops or equipment’s mobilisation.


He said that considering the difficult terrain and inherent connectivity issue faced by the Naga people, such as pro-active preparedness and cohesive coordination and cooperation by various multiple nodal agencies was the need of the hour. He further stated that because of the Centre's support to the state government and Naga public’s collective efforts, adequate targeted mitigation measures are being adopted to reduce the scale of any impending disaster in the state.


Kinimi was hopeful that the air support by Ministry of Defence, in the future, in support of NSDMA in interiors of the state would be a positive step and boost capabilities to tackle any disaster. The NSDMA is chaired under the dynamic leadership of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.