Ladakh To Get New Air Base For Fighter Operations With Upgrade Of Nyoma ALG Near LAC; Work To Start In June

The construction work for the upgradation of the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) at Nyoma in eastern Ladakh will start from May-June of 2023, reports Times Of India.

The Times Of India report quoted officials as saying that the ALG will be upgraded with a 2.7 km “rigid pavement” runway, from where fixed-wing aircraft of all types, including fighter jets, can land and take off for offensive and defensive operations.

The upgrade will cost Rs 230 crore and will take at least “three working seasons” to complete which includes dispersal areas, hangars and allied infrastructure, said the official.

The ALG will be located at an elevation of 13,000 feet. The construction is estimated to be completed by mid-2025.

Located less than 50 km away from the Line of Actual Control (LAC), it will have strategic implications, allowing faster deployment of men and materials in areas close to the LAC.

The Border Roads Organisation had invited bids for the project in December last year. The agency, responsible for the construction and upkeep of infrastructure in border areas, has seeen its capital budget increase by by 43 per cent to Rs 5,000 crore in the 2023-24 budget.

It is noteworthy because of the rapid construction of forward airstrips, helipads, roads and bridges by the Chinese on their side of the LAC.

Just in December last year, some soldiers were injured in a clash at Yangtse, in Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian Army thwarted Chinese attempts to take control of tactically important peaks in the region and chased away the People's Liberation Army soldiers trying to intrude into Indian territory.

During the continuing standoff with China, the Nyoma airfield has witnessed operations by Chinook heavy-lift choppers and C-130J Special Operations aircraft for the transportation of personnel and equipment.

Apache attack helicopters and the Garud special forces from Mi-17 helicopters have also operated out of the ALG during the peak of the crisis in Eastern Ladakh in 2020.

This upgradation will allow the use of heavier C-17s and IL-76s and fighters like Tejas, Rafale and Su-30 MKIs from the ALG.

Also Read: Capital Budget Of Border Roads Organisation Increased By 43 Per Cent To Rs 5,000 Crore; Allocation Doubled In Two Years