The Indian Army NATEX K2K team arriving in Bhuj, Gujarat. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
New Delhi: A team of intrepid Indian Army officers and soldiers has concluded a groundbreaking paramotor expedition, traversing the vast expanse of India from its easternmost tip to its western edge. The expedition, named “NATEX K2K” (shortform of National Expedition Kibithu to Kutch), was flagged-in by Lieutenant General Mohit Malhotra, GOC Desert Corps, in a solemn ceremony at Bhuj, on Tuesday.
Launched on November 19, 2023, from Kibithu (also spelled Kibithoo) in Arunachal Pradesh, where the sun first kisses India, the expedition culminated in Kutch, where the sun bids goodbye to the country, after the team paid tribute to India’s war heroes.
The Indian Army NATEX K2K team posing with Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra and other officials in Bhuj, Gujarat. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
Over a gruelling 10,683 kilometres, the team touched down at 52 points across nine states and a Union territory where it soared over mountains, valleys, plains, and even the majestic Rann of Kutch. Their route mirrored the sacrifices made by countless Indian citizens who answered the call to duty, symbolizing national unity and showcasing India’s breathtaking geographical tapestry.
This westward journey embodied the unwavering commitment of the Indian Army and aimed to inspire youngsters to embrace adventure sports and explore India’s vast potential for aerial adventures.
Members of the Indian Army NATEX K2K team flying on their paramotors. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
The choice of paramotors, crafts offering unparalleled freedom and close connection with the environment, was no accident. It was a deliberate break from convention, injecting a spirit of daring and adaptability into this epic endeavour. This symbolized the Army’s ethos and highlighted the importance of versatility in overcoming challenges.
The successful completion of NATEX K2K marks a significant milestone in Indian paramotoring and a testament to the Indian Army’s adventurous spirit and unwavering commitment to national service, the force said in a news release.
