IAF's new Nyoma airbase near China operational, Air Chief AP Singh lands C-130J

New Delhi: India's newest airbase at Nyoma in Ladakh has been inaugurated, with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh landing a C-130J transport aircraft at the facility on Wednesday.

Located just 35 km from the China border, air force station Mudh-Nyoma is capable of fighter jet operations and is probably the highest such airfield of its kind, located at 13,700 feet.

The project to transform Nyoma from an air strip that was used earlier by military transport aircraft to a full-fledged airbase that can handle high tempo fighter jet operations was completed in just over two years, with the Border Roads Organisation tasked with the job.


The foundation stone for the base was laid by defence minister Rajnath Singh in September 2023. The decision to transform Nyoma into a frontline fighter base-the closest India currently has with China-was taken after the troop building by PLA forces in eastern Ladakh in 2020, which were followed by deadly clashes.

"Developed at a cost of approximately ₹200 crore, the base will boost the air infrastructure in Ladakh and augment IAF's capability along the northern border," an official said. Earlier, the defence minister had said the airfield will prove to be a "game-changer" for the armed forces.

Originally built in 1962 as an air strip that could be used by helicopters and fixed wing transport aircraft.