Shillong: The Eastern Air Command (EAC), in a bid to woo visitors, has put up a MiG-27ML fighter aircraft at the entrance of the Advance Landing Ground (ALG) in Upper Shillong.
The move is expected to attract tourists who pass by the EAC headquarters on their way to Cherrapunjee.
The MiG-27ML fighter bomber is the only aircraft on display in the entire North East replete with the full complement of missiles and bombs.
These aircraft are still operational in the North East. The MiG-27ML displayed here has completed its full operational life after it was inducted as a frontline fighter aircraft in the 1980s, Air Force officials informed.
The aircraft (TS-598) has flown nearly 2,000 hours and was a part of the Kargil operations in 1999 and Operation Parakram (2001-03).
For convenience of the visitors, parking facilities have been earmarked near the aircraft viewing point besides photographs with the aircraft on display are also permitted.
The EAC has also put on display several other venerable aircraft of the IAF at the entrance to its complex, which is also open to the general public.
These include the Hawker Hunter, Caribou, Iskra trainer aircraft and a Mi-4 helicopter of the yore.
There are also plans to add a few others aircraft including the DHC-3 Otter and HAL-built HJT-16, better known as the Kiran aircraft.
