IAF Chief Lands at Newly Operational Nyoma Airbase in C-130J as ‘Poorvi Prachand’ Showcases India’s Mountain Warfare Might

In a major boost to India’s high-altitude military capabilities, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on November 12, 2025, undertook the inaugural flight of a Lockheed Martin-built C-130J Super Hercules to the newly operational Nyoma airbase in eastern Ladakh, marking a historic milestone in India’s border defence preparedness. He was accompanied by Western Air Command chief Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra.

The Nyoma airbase, located just 30 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, has officially transitioned from a mud-paved landing strip into a fully capable military airfield.

Why is Nyoma Air Base a key capability against China?

Built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the new runway and allied infrastructure were completed this year, transforming Nyoma into a strategic hub capable of supporting fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters.

With this, Nyoma becomes the fourth major IAF base in Ladakh, joining Leh, Kargil, and Thoise (which supports operations at the Siachen Glacier). The Daulat Beg Oldie airstrip, another high-altitude mud landing ground, remains operational for special operations.

What edge does Nyoma provide India?

“Planes can now land, take off, and be sustained at Nyoma,” said defence officials, emphasising that the base now supports full-fledged air operations, including minor maintenance, radar, weather, and fuelling facilities, all essential for sustained missions in extreme climates.

Situated at an altitude of 13,700 feet on the banks of the Indus River, Nyoma faces winter temperatures as low as –20°C, making its operationalisation a technological feat.

What other infrastructure projects in Ladakh?

The Ministry of Defence is also reviving the advanced landing ground (ALG) at Chushul, just 4 km from the LAC.

Once used during the 1962 India-China war, Chushul is being developed to operate UAVs and helicopters, with potential for handling C-295 and C-130J aircraft.

The move forms part of a larger strategy to strengthen air mobility and logistics near the contested border.

What is Poorvi Prachand Prahar in the North East?

The Nyoma development coincides with the ongoing Exercise Poorvi Prachand Prahar, a large-scale tri-service operation in the Eastern Himalayas, showcasing India’s precision mobilisation and integrated warfighting capability in high-altitude terrain.

The exercise demonstrates the Indian armed forces’ ability for rapid force projection, joint logistics, and seamless interoperability among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

It validates new Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) and highlights the use of unmanned systems, Army Aviation assets, and networked command-and-control systems in simulated multi-domain operations.

What did the Indian troops do during Poorvi Prachand Prahar?

Troops executed coordinated manoeuvres across mountains and rivers, proving India’s readiness for swift mobilisation and synchronised response in any contingency. The exercise reflects India’s evolving warfighting doctrine, where technology, coordination, and speed converge for decisive results.

Together, the operationalisation of Nyoma airbase and the execution of Exercise Poorvi Prachand Prahar underscore India’s growing strategic focus on the Himalayas.

As tensions with China persist along the LAC, these developments reaffirm India’s commitment to enhancing deterrence, improving readiness, and maintaining an edge in high-altitude warfare.