IAF Finish Nyoma Airstrip, Ready for Operations in Eastern Ladakh Near LOC

Defense News ,India :-  In 2009, an AN-32 transport aircraft made history by landing at the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Ladakh. Today, the Indian Air Force is enhancing this key military facility, strategically located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), to bolster its capabilities.

Recent developments reveal that Nyoma ALG is undergoing significant upgrades. The runway is being black-topped, and plans are in motion to extend it, enabling the handling of fighter jets. Defence sources report that despite the winter pause, approximately 15% of the work is complete, with a scheduled restart in April. The ambitious project is expected to conclude within two years, showcasing India's commitment to fortifying its defense infrastructure.

Nyoma ALG, situated about 30 km from the LAC, is strategically well-placed, providing a significant advantage for India, according to defense sources. The extension of the runway to 9,000 or 10,000 feet aims to accommodate a variety of fighter aircraft from the Indian Air Force's inventory, enhancing its operational capabilities.

The initiative, costing around ₹200 crore, gained momentum when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone in September. Singh expressed confidence that Nyoma ALG, positioned at an altitude of about 13,700 feet and touted as one of the world's highest airfields, would be a "game-changer" for the armed forces.

Nyoma's location, approximately 180 km from Leh and close to the southern bank of Pangong Tso, contributes to its strategic significance. Unlike other airfields in Leh, Thoise, Daulet Beg-Oldie, and Fukche, Nyoma boasts more stable weather conditions, facilitating seamless operations.

During the 2020 standoff with Chinese forces, the Indian Air Force strategically deployed Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters, CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, and AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to Nyoma. This move supported the forward deployment of troops, as well as surveillance and intelligence gathering efforts in the region.

One of the challenges faced by fighter jets at high-altitude airfields is starting in extremely low temperatures, which can plummet to -40 degrees during winter. To address this, engine modifications are underway to ensure optimal performance under harsh weather conditions.

The upgrade of Nyoma ALG comes in response to China's extensive infrastructure development along the 3,488 km-long LAC. Over the last three years, China has upgraded existing airfields and constructed new ones, along with roads, troop accommodations, and ammunition storage facilities. This has significantly altered the status quo in the region.

India, in turn, has scaled up its efforts to enhance infrastructure and connectivity along the LAC, especially following the 2020 standoff. The upgrades at Nyoma ALG signify a strategic response to regional dynamics, ensuring that India's defense capabilities are aligned with evolving challenges.