The Indian Armed Forces opened the Nyoma airbase near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Wednesday. The new base improves India’s air and ground strength in Eastern Ladakh.

The launch came as the Army held its ‘Poorvi Prachand Prahar’ exercise in Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on high-altitude warfare. Both developments show India’s readiness along the China border.

A senior officer told The Times of India, “There is an ongoing reset in bilateral diplomatic ties. Military CBMs are also being progressively strengthened, but the trust deficit on the ground remains high.”

He added, “With no de-escalation along LAC, troops will continue to be forward deployed for the 6th successive winter since multiple Chinese incursions into eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020.”

The airbase recently received a ₹230 crore upgrade to boost operations in the region.

Air Chief Leads Inaugural Flight

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh personally flew a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from Hindon near Delhi to the Mudh airfield at Nyoma to mark the inauguration.

At 13,710 feet, Nyoma is one of the world’s highest airfields. Singh flew alongside Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, chief of Western Air Command.

Their flight officially activated the strategically located base, highlighting its importance for future air missions in Ladakh.

Key Features of Nyoma Airbase

Nyoma lies just 35 km from the LAC. The upgrade transformed the airstrip into a full airbase with:

• A 2.7-km-long concrete runway

• A modern Air Traffic Control complex

• Hangars, a crash bay, and living quarters for staff

The base can now handle heavy transport aircraft and fighter jets. It allows quick movement of troops, weapons, and supplies to Pangong Tso, Demchok, and Depsang.

The airbase is expected to support fighter jet operations by early 2026, though the thin air at high altitude remains a challenge.

China Expands Border Infrastructure

China has also upgraded its airbases near the border over the past five years. It has deployed J-20 stealth fighters, bombers, reconnaissance planes, and drones at bases such as Hotan, Kashgar, Shigatse, Bangda, Nyingchi, and Hoping.

Beijing has also built many new heliports along the LAC to improve troop movement and logistics.

Major Army Exercise Underway

At the same time, India is holding the ‘Poorvi Prachand Prahar’ exercise in Mechuka and nearby high-altitude areas of Arunachal Pradesh. Thousands of troops from the 3 Spear Corps are taking part.

The drills test rapid troop mobilisation, precision strikes, and logistics readiness.

An officer said, “The right force must reach the right place at the right time during conflicts.”

Expanding Air Network Along Border

Nyoma becomes another key base for the Indian Air Force in Ladakh after Leh, Kargil, Thoise, and Daulat Beg Oldie.

India has also improved advanced landing grounds (ALGs) in Arunachal Pradesh at Pasighat, Mechuka, Walong, Tuting, Along, and Ziro. These upgrades enhance India’s quick-response capability along the China frontier.