New IAF airstrip opened near Indo-China border
Ladakh, Sep 18: Following reports of Chinese intrusions, the Indian Air Force for the first time landed an AN-32 transport aircraft at the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground in eastern Ladakh, just 23 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The event signified India's capacity to quickly mobilise its troops anywhere any time.
Flt Lt Priya Joshi, the WAC spokesperson said that the AN-32 aircraft, flown by Shaurya Chakra awardee Group captain SC Chafekar and carrying Western Air Command (WAC) chief Air Marshal NAK Browne and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen PC Bhardwarj, landed at Nyoma at 6 AM on Friday, Sep 18 at Nyoma.
Formerly, Nyoma ALG situated at an altitude of 13,300 feet above sea level was used for helicopter operations.
She added that an Engineer Regiment of the Army's 14 Corps developed the ALG for fixed wing operations.
"The successful landing of a fixed wing aircraft at Nyoma marks the culmination of joint effort by the IAF and Army to enable the IAF to operate in the inhospitable terrain of Leh-Ladakh region in support of the Army," she said.
OneIndia News