Ladakh: India has inaugurated the world’s highest fighter-capable airbase in eastern Ladakh, marking a major boost to its operational strength along the Line of Actual Control.
The upgraded Mudh–Nyoma Air Force Station, located at an altitude of 13,700 feet and spread across 1,235 acres, sits barely 50 kilometres from the LAC, giving the Indian Air Force a stronger foothold in one of the most sensitive military zones in the region.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh formally opened the base by landing a C-130J transport aircraft, showcasing its readiness for high-altitude operations. Originally built in 1962 as an Advanced Landing Ground and revived for limited use in 2009, the airstrip remained largely underutilised until the 2020 Galwan clash, which underscored the urgent need for stronger air assets in Ladakh.
The newly upgraded base can now host frontline fighter aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30 MKI, Rafale, and MiG-29UPG, along with heavy transport platforms such as the C-130J and C-17.
Designed for all-weather operations in temperatures that can plunge to minus 40 degrees Celsius, the base gives India a significant tactical advantage in a region where mobility is often restricted by extreme terrain and harsh climate.
The primary role of the Nyoma base is to accelerate the movement of troops, equipment, and supplies to forward posts. Quicker deployment reduces reaction time during crises and strengthens India’s ability to counter any sudden escalation along the LAC.
Reports indicate that DRDO has already developed accommodation for around 20,000 troops in Ladakh, supporting the broader push for infrastructure expansion. Work is also progressing on the Sasoma–Sasser–DBO road, an alternative route that will improve access to strategic points near the northern frontier.
Establishing a fully operational fighter airbase at such an extreme altitude is a significant achievement and a clear message to Beijing. The new base is expected to act as a deterrent against further Chinese incursions while reinforcing India’s long-term military posture in the region.
