Eye On China’s Infra Work, India To Upgrade Ladakh Airfield For Fighters
India will soon be upgrading the Nyoma airfield in eastern Ladakh, which is less than 50 km from Line of Actual Control shared with China. The Border Roads Organisation has been tasked with building a new runway for fighter aircraft-based operations, the army said on Wednesday.
According to a report by news agency ANI, there are inputs of the Chinese building new military infrastructure. The army said Nyoma will become an advanced landing ground for fighter aircraft operations.
The Nyoma airfield has been used to transport soldiers and supplies during the ongoing standoff with China and has seen operations of Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and C-130J transport aircraft.
“The ALG (advanced landing ground) is going to be soon upgraded for fighter aircraft operations as most of the required clearances and approvals have come already. As per plans, the construction of the new airfield and the military infrastructure would be done by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO),” a defence officer told ANI.
“Nyoma ALG has strategic importance due to its close proximity to the Line of Actual Control. It bridges the critical gap between Leh airfield and the LAC enabling quick movement of men and material in eastern Ladakh, overcoming terrain friction,” Group Captain Ajay Rathi was quoted as saying while explaining the importance of an ALG such as Nyoma.
It will strengthen the capability of the Indian Air Force to tackle emergencies effectively. Its construction will soon begin after a nod from the central government. The ANI report also mentioned that India has been considering multiple options for developing airfields in eastern Ladakh, including Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), Fukche and Nyoma, just a few minutes from the LAC.
