LCA Tejas at Leh during trials
(Photo: Vayu)
In an effort towards bolstering its
military prowess, the Ministry of Defence has decided to elevate the Nyoma
Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in eastern Ladakh into a fully functional
operational base, capable of facilitating fighter aircraft take-offs.
This endeavor, slated to be
completed within a span of less than 20 months, involves the construction of a
concrete runway spanning 2.7 km, accompanied by essential ancillary
infrastructure. Sources within the defence and security establishment have
revealed that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is anticipated to conduct an inspection of
the ongoing work in the coming month.
Situated at a staggering altitude of
13,700 ft, Nyoma holds the distinction of being the world’s highest airfield.
This unique feature mandates adaptations to fighter engines, enabling them to
perform optimally at such elevations. Currently designated as an ALG, Nyoma’s
existing runway comprises mud, restricting its utility to specialised transport
aircraft and helicopters. However, with the imminent completion of the new
runway, the operational capabilities will extend to accommodate heavier
transport aircraft. This development is poised to significantly enhance India’s
military strategic depth.
About Nyoma ALG
The Nyoma ALG played a pivotal role
in the face-off with China, as the deployment of C130Js facilitated swift
mobilisation of personnel, heavy armament and equipment along the Line of
Actual Control (LAC) during the heightened tensions in 2020.
India’s proactive move arrives at a
juncture when China has already concluded extensive upgrades to its bases along
the LAC, reinforcing them with elongated runways and fortified shelters. China
has also established new heliports, strategically positioned in proximity to
crucial regions such as the Galwan Valley and the Pangong Tso area.
The Nyoma ALG played a pivotal role in the face-off
with China. (Photo: IAF)
10 years ago in August 2013, an IAF C-130J did a maiden landing at Daulat Beg Oldi, the world's highest airstrip (16614 feet). (Photos: IAF)
In light of these developments,
India’s objective is to establish a comprehensive defensive capability and
deployment strategy to counter China’s “Anti Access Area Denial (A2AD)”
approach. This strategy hinges on curtailing the adversary’s battlefield
mobility through an array of surface-to-air missile (SAM) installations,
long-range radar systems, and a formidable amalgamation of ground forces.
While fighter operations from Leh,
Nyoma, Thoise, and Srinagar are poised to expedite aerial response during
emergencies, it is the hinterland bases, particularly in Punjab, that are
projected to bear the brunt of conflict. This bifurcation bestows India with a
tactical advantage in the domain of fighter jet operations.
LCA at Leh (Photo: Vayu)
The driving impetus behind the Nyoma
ALG’s expansion stems from the exigency of establishing an alternate operating
base for fighters in Ladakh, supplementing the existing ones in Leh and Thoise.
Weather conditions, often hampering operational capabilities, underscored the
need for diversification. The Indian Air Force (IAF conducted a meticulous
evaluation to ascertain the suitability of the three ALGs in Ladakh – Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), Nyoma, and Fukche – for
fighter operations.
IAF Il-76 at high altitudes (Photo:
Wg Cdr RS Chauhan)
DBO faced two insurmountable
challenges: its formidable elevation of 16,600 ft and its strategic visibility
within Chinese surveillance parameters. Fukche presented limitations regarding
runway expansion and infrastructure creation, ultimately tipping the scales in
favor of Nyoma. The weather resilience exhibited by Nyoma throughout the year
acted as another pivotal factor.
However, the path to expansion
encountered hurdles due to environmental clearances, primarily owing to the
presence of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, which harbors the Kiang or
Tibetan Wild Ass and rare black-necked cranes. In response, the IAF
restructured the expansion plans to secure environmental clearances, which were
granted with certain conditions.
The change of Nyoma ALG into a
high-altitude fighter base signifies India’s unwavering commitment to
fortifying its national defence apparatus. This endeavor not only accentuates
India’s strategic readiness but also underscores its proactive stance in the
face of evolving regional dynamics.
Huma
Siddiqui
Courtesy:
Financial Express Digital