New Delhi (TDI): On Wednesday, the Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, inaugurated the Mudh-Nyoma airbase in Ladakh by landing the C-130J special operations aircraft.
Nyoma air base is the region’s third key station, which is located about 35 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, and will serve as a forward hub close to friction points.
According to the reports, this airfield is also capable of handling operations by the use of heavy-lift transport planes and fighter jets from both sides of the airstrip. It is also expected to serve as a potential hub for civilian flights and is expected to be available for fighter operations by early 2026.
The work on upgrading the Nyoma airstrip to a full-fledged base for fighter operations was carried out by the BRO after India’s military standoff with China along the LAC in April-May 2020, which was resolved last year.
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Strategically positioned in a flatter valley than Leh, Nyoma enhances India’s military capabilities in eastern Ladakh and will expedite the movement of troops, weapons, and supplies.
Nyoma will prove to be a crucial airbase for the IAF for both fighter and transport operations, strategic affairs expert Retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra had earlier said. “It will allow quicker launch of interdiction strikes, and troop and equipment insertion in the forward areas if needed.”
BRO’s chief Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan had earlier described the Mudh-Nyoma airbase as one of the most important projects being executed by BRO in the Ladakh sector.
“This new airfield in Ladakh, capable of fighter operations, will add a new challenge for both of our adversaries,” retired Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor wrote on X, referring to neighbors China and Pakistan. He also added that China has an airfield at a similar height.
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