At a time when China is expeditiously building its capability to operate fighters near eastern Ladakh, India is also considering expanding its capability to operate fixed-wing aircraft from facilities near the border with China.

India has been considering multiple options of developing airfields in eastern Ladakh including Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), Fukche and Nyoma which are at a distance of few minutes from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is carrying out operations of the Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and the Garud special forces operations from Mi-17 helicopters at the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG). The Air Force also has deployed the Igla man-portable air defence missiles to tackle any aerial incursion by any adversary aircraft.

According to ANI, IAF's Group Captain Ajay Rathi explained the importance of having an advanced landing ground such as Nyoma.

"Nyoma ALG has strategic importance due to its close proximity to 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," Rathi said.

The Nyoma airbase Chief Operations Officer said the ALG will "further help in quicker access to the heights and sustenance operations thereafter. The air operations infrastructure at Nyoma enhances the Op capability of forces." He said, "It also improves connectivity for the entire population in the eastern Ladakh region."

"The fighters have been operating regularly in this area earlier as well. The development of infrastructure for fixed-wing operations from ALG is planned in the near future. Our air warriors take pride in operating at these altitudes. Also, the good wishes and support of our countrymen keep them motivated to face the extreme weather conditions”, he further added.

Notably, on Friday, the Indian Army had announced that disengagement in another friction area along the LAC has been completed.

“As an outcome of the 12th round of military talks, India and China agreed on disengagement in area of Gogra in eastern Ladakh,” the Army said in a statement. “Indian and Chinese sides ceased forward deployments in Gogra in a phased, coordinated and verified manner,” it said.

Image source: India today