IAF opens airstrip near China border

NEW DELHI: In a major breakthrough, the Indian Air Force, for the first time, landed its AN-32 transport aircraft at Nyoma, an advanced landing ground situated at an altitude of 13,300 feet, in the western sector in Ladakh, on Friday. 

The successful landing of a fixed wing aircraft at Nyoma -- situated 23 km from the Line of Actual Control with China -- enables IAF to operate in the inhospitable terrain of the Ladakh region and provide adequate backup to the Army. This would help the Army carry troops and arms and ammunition at short notice to this sensitive sector. 

The landing comes just 15 months after an AN-32 landed at Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), the highest airfield in the world situated at an altitude of 16,200 feet. In November last year, IAF had opened another airstrip at Fuk Che. 

Friday's development marks an achievement as it comes amidst the recent rise in incursions by Chinese forces. 

The development of Nyoma base was a joint effort by IAF and Army which carried out aerial and ground reccees for the base to be made operational for fixed wing operations. Though helicopters have been landing at Nyoma, this is for the first time that a fixed wing aircraft landed at the airstrip. 

The task of developing the landing base to the standards required for big aircraft was undertaken by the Engineer Regiments of 14 Corps. 

The joint development of Nyoma by IAF and Army in extreme weather conditions is another step towards enhanced coordination between the two services. 

Nyoma's development would also ensure that movement in the area continues when road traffic gets affected during the harsh winters. It will also enable improved communication network in the region, facilitating economical ferrying of supplies as well as promotion of tourism. 

The first AN-32 aircraft landed at Nyoma at 6.25 am on Friday. The aircraft was commanded by Group Captain SC Chafekar with Western Air Command chief Air Marshal NAK Browne and Army's Northern Command chief Lt-General PC Bharadwaj on board, an IAF statement said.(TOI)