In a booster shot for Indian military capabilities, India on Wednesday operationalised its highest air base, Nyoma, at an altitude of about 13,000 feet in eastern Ladakh, close to the border with China.
As per reports, Nyoma will operate alongside Leh, Kargil, Thoise and Daulat Beg Oldie to form a dense network of advanced air assets in the region and it is located close to the military’s 1260-hectare ‘Mahe Field Firing Range’ (MFFR), a one-of-a-kind firing range in Ladakh region where all types of weapons can be fired.
Why is the airbase significant?
The airbase is located about 35 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and will serve as a forward hub close to friction points like Pangong Tso, Demchok and Depsang. Nyoma is primarily expected to help quickly rush troops, weapons and supplies to these areas.
The airfield is reportedly capable of handling and sustaining operations by heavy-lift transport planes and fighter jets from both sides of the airstrip.
The air base is also expected to serve as a potential hub for civilian flights and is expected to be available for fighter operations by early 2026, as per reports.
Airbase underwent massive upgrade
The Nyoma air base underwent a ₹230 crore upgrade, which included extending the original airstrip into a 2.7-km ‘rigid pavement’ runway, a new ATC complex, hangars, a crash bay and accommodation, TOI reported.
During the inaugural event, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh also flew a C-130J ‘Super Hercules’ aircraft from Hindon on the outskirts of Delhi to the Mudh airfield at Nyoma.
He was accompanied at the airbase by Western Air Command chief Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, officials said.
What has China done on its side of the border?
China on its side of the LAC has upgraded all its airbases facing India over the last five years.
It has also deployed additional jets, including advanced J-20 stealth fighters, as well as bombers, reconnaissance aircraft and drones at its airfields like Hotan, Kashgar, Gargunsa, Shigatse, Bangda, Nyingchi and Hoping.
Additionally, China has also built several heliports along the LAC.
India and China seeking reset of ties post Galwan
India and China are now seeking a reset of bilateral ties to resolve diplomatic issues and resume air travel after the countries clashed in 2020 at the Galwan Valley in LAC.
The border clash saw a violent hand-to-hand fight between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh along the disputed Line of Actual Control.
About 20 Indian soldiers died without any gunfire, as soldiers fought with sticks and metal rods in freezing conditions.
