India To Upgrade Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground, Located 50 Km From LAC In Ladakh For Fighter Operations

India will soon start construction to upgrade its Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) for fighter aircraft operations, said Indian Army officials on Thursday (27 October). 

Nyoma is located less than 50 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the eastern Ladakh sector. 

The move comes amid concerns that China is developing new military infrastructure on its side.

The ability to operate fighter aircraft from this location would increase the Indian Air Force's (IAF) ability to respond promptly to any misadventures by the adversary.

"Nyoma ALG has strategic importance due to its close proximity to the Line of Actual Control. It bridges the critical gap between Leh airfield and the LAC enabling quick movement of men and material in eastern Ladakh, overcoming terrain friction," IAF Group Captain Ajay Rathi said, reports Times of India (TOI). 

During the continuing standoff with China, the Nyoma airfield witnessed operations by Chinook heavy-lift choppers and C-130J Special Operations aircraft for the transportation of personnel and equipment.

The Apache attack helicopter and the Garud special forces from Mi-17 helicopters have also launched missions at the Nyoma ALG.

According to senior defence officials, "The ALG will soon be upgraded for fighter aircraft operations as most of the required clearances and approvals have come already. As per plans, the construction of the new airfield and the military infrastructure would be done by the Border Roads Organisation", the TOI report added.  

India has been evaluating many alternatives for building airfields in eastern Ladakh, including Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), Fukche, and Nyoma, all of which are closely located to LAC.