On Wednesday, Indian military forces operationalized the new Nyoma airbase, strategically located near the border with China, enhancing the nation’s military capabilities in Eastern Ladakh. The launch coincided with an Army exercise named ‘Poorvi Prachand Prahar’ currently taking place in Arunachal Pradesh. This development signals India’s commitment to bolstering its military readiness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Military experts contend that the activities on both sides of the LAC demonstrate India’s preparedness for potential conflict. A senior official noted to The Times of India that while diplomatic ties are being recalibrated and military confidence-building measures are advancing, the fundamental trust deficit remains significant. He emphasized that without de-escalation along the LAC, Indian troops would continue to remain deployed forward for the sixth consecutive winter since multiple Chinese incursions occurred in April and May 2020. The Nyoma airbase recently underwent a significant upgrade at a cost of ₹230 crore.
The inauguration of the airbase was marked by a flight led by IAF chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, who piloted a C-130J ‘Super Hercules’ aircraft from Hindon near Delhi to Nyoma, situated at an altitude of 13,710 feet. He was accompanied by Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, head of the Western Air Command.
Located just 35 kilometers from the LAC, the Nyoma airbase features enhancements that include a 2.7-kilometer rigid pavement runway, a new air traffic control complex, hangars, a crash bay, and accommodations for personnel. The Mudh airfield is now equipped to manage operations involving heavy-lift transport planes and fighter jets. It is expected to facilitate rapid troop deployments and logistics to critical areas within eastern Ladakh, such as Pangong Tso, Demchok, and Depsang. While the airfield is anticipated to support fighter operations by early 2026, its high-altitude conditions could present challenges.
On the other side, China has been diligently upgrading its own airbases over the last five years to mitigate altitude challenges. These upgrades include the deployment of advanced J-20 stealth fighters, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, and drones across various airfields such as Hotan, Kashgar, and Nyingchi.
Additionally, China has constructed numerous heliports along the LAC. Meanwhile, the ‘Poorvi Prachand Prahar’ exercise in Arunachal Pradesh involves thousands of soldiers from the Indian Army’s 3 Spear Corps, focusing on rapid mobilization, operational logistics, and precision-strike capabilities. A military officer emphasized the importance of ensuring that the right forces reach the right locations promptly during conflicts. Nyoma will bolster the Indian Air Force’s operational base network in Ladakh, joining facilities in Leh, Kargil, Thoise, and the advanced landing ground at Daulat Beg Oldie. India continues to improve infrastructure at other advanced landing grounds in Arunachal Pradesh, including Pasighat, Mechuka, Walong, Tuting, Along, and Ziro.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-activates-nyoma-airbase-close-to-china-border-a-booster-shot-for-army-in-ladakh-13950178.html
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Publish Date: 2025-11-13 07:55:00
