Nyoma: India’s High‑Altitude Airfield to Be Operational by October
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Located just 30–50 km from the India‑China border, the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground is being transformed into the nation’s highest fighter‑capable airbase. Sitting at an altitude of about 13,700 feet, the new facility features a freshly paved 3‑kilometre runway engineered to support fighter jets, transport planes, and emergency landings.
Approved in 2021 with an estimated cost of ₹214–219 crore, the project is overseen by the Border Roads Organisation. Most runway construction was completed by October 2024, and the remaining work on hangars, radar, control tower, shelters, and other infrastructure is ongoing. Officials project full operational capability by October 2025.
Strategically, Nyoma’s proximity to the LAC allows faster deployment of fighter jets such as Rafale, Su‑30MKI, and MiG‑29, along with transport aircraft like C‑130J and An‑32. It strengthens India’s ability to respond quickly in high‑altitude zones like Depsang and Demchok, especially following recent disengagements with China.
In addition to military use, the upgraded airfield is expected to support civilian flights, opening remote areas to tourism and improving connectivity for locals. This dual-purpose design enhances both defence readiness and regional development.
In essence, the Nyoma airbase signifies a major leap in India’s border infrastructure—upgrading a minimal Advanced Landing Ground into a full-fledged high-altitude fighter airbase, enhancing security, surveillance, logistics, and connectivity in one of the world’s most challenging terrains.
