Why in news?
The Indian Air Force recently inaugurated the upgraded Mudh–Nyoma airbase in Ladakh. Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh landed a C‑130J transport aircraft on the high‑altitude runway, signalling that the base is now operational. The airfield lies close to the contested Line of Actual Control with China and will allow faster deployment of troops and supplies in this sensitive region.
Background
Nyoma sits on a plateau in south‑eastern Ladakh at an altitude of about 13,700 feet and just 23 kilometres from the LAC. During the 1962 war the airstrip had a mud surface and was largely unused for decades. It was reactivated in 2009 and has since been progressively improved. Following the 2020 standoff with China, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was tasked with converting the facility into a full‑fledged airbase. Work on a 2.7‑kilometre long rigid‑pavement runway, new air‑traffic‑control towers, hangars and support buildings began in September 2023 and cost roughly ₹230 crore.
Key features
- Strategic location: The airbase is the highest in India and the fifth highest in the world. Its proximity to Pangong Tso and the LAC enables rapid response to border situations.
- Extended runway: The concrete runway is long and strong enough to handle heavy transport aircraft such as the C‑17 Globemaster III and to operate fighter jets like the Sukhoi‑30MKI. Helicopters and unmanned aircraft can also be accommodated.
- All‑weather capability: Nyoma’s new infrastructure includes heated hangars, a modern air‑traffic‑control complex, crash‑rescue services and accommodation for crews, allowing operations even when winter temperatures drop below –20°C.
- Force multiplier: With Nyoma operational, Ladakh now has four functional airbases. Together with existing airfields at Leh, Thoise and Fukche, it will enable quicker troop rotation, logistics support and humanitarian assistance during crises.
Significance
- Enhanced deterrence: A forward airbase close to the border strengthens India’s ability to monitor and respond to any military activity by China in eastern Ladakh.
- Improved connectivity: The base reduces flying time between central India and Ladakh, making it easier to transport equipment and evacuate civilians during disasters.
- Part of border infrastructure push: Upgrading Nyoma complements other road, bridge and airfield projects in the Himalayas that aim to improve mobility and support development in remote areas.
Source: Hindustan Times