Author: Wg Cdr Akash Godbole, Senior Fellow, Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies
Keywords: Nyoma, Line of Actual Control, Galwan, Tibet Autonomous Region, Indian Air Force.
Introduction
On November 12, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, arrived on board a C-130J transport aircraft, accompanied by C-in-C Western Air Command, at one of its northernmost airfields, Mudh-Nyoma.[1] The landing was part of the inauguration ceremony that declared the airfield fully operational, making it the third of its kind in the Eastern Ladakh region, alongside Leh and Thoise.[2] The Mudh-Nyoma airstrip was developed initially as an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) during the 1962 conflict. In 2009, an AN-32 carried out a landing at the base, thus bringing it into focus after years of neglect.[3] The airfield is another step in the series of infrastructure push undertaken since the Galwan clash of 2020.[4] The article aims to identify the likely operational significance of the said airfield and its manifestation during an operational scenario.
Build to Compete
At an elevation of 13,700 feet above mean sea level, Nyoma is India’s highest[5] and the fifth-highest airfield in the world, capable of undertaking fighter aircraft operations.[6],[7] It is situated just 30-35 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Other airfields, such as Leh and Thoise, are significantly farther from the LAC and hence result in increased deployment and reaction times. In recent times, there has been significant progress in the development of infrastructure at high altitudes, especially in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), where China supports multiple bases to support transport and fighter operations. However, what distinguishes Nyoma is the scale of terrain gradient and topographic complexity involved in its construction.[8] Although most TAR airfields are located at an altitude of 13,000-14,000 feet, the entire TAR region has relatively flat terrain that permits convenient movement and the faster development of such airfields. It is essential to acknowledge this remarkable achievement, as it has taken just about two years from initialisation to operationalisation. This began when the Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh, laid the foundation in September 2023.[9] This suggests the urgency and operational requirement that the IAF felt for the airfield to be operational at such short notice. The Galwan incident triggered large-scale actions known as “Rebalancing 1.0“, which involved the permanent forward positioning of approximately 50,000 troops, the emergency procurement of surveillance and weapon systems, and the accelerated completion of border infrastructure projects. The operationalisation of this airfield provides for a limited reaction time and associated deterrence. The broader action set suggests a combination of deterrence by denial and punishment. Denial by sustaining the ability for rapid forward deployment and punishment by placing fighters at the airfield with such capabilities.
Operational Significance
While there are several operational scenarios where the airfield can support the IAF in particular and the Indian military operations in general, some have been suggested below: –
1. Proximity. Nyoma’s proximity to the LAC suggests that it was felt that Western airfields, such as Leh and Thoise, were either inadequate or too far inland to pose an effective deterrent. The IAF swung into action during the Galwan crisis and was able to muster adequate combat capability to deter any Chinese misgivings. Over 68,000 troops, 90 tanks, and 330 BMP infantry combat vehicles were airlifted during these operations.[10],[11] Operationalising an airfield near the LAC significantly reduces reaction time. It enhances forward mobility and facilitates the evacuation of personnel and supplies during emergencies.
2. Operability. Regarding the operational strengths of the airfield, it features a long runway (~2.7-3.0 km) that supports the movement of fighters and heavy transport. It manifests in multiple operational possibilities, including an increased presence of fighters in an operational readiness state and the availability of a forward landing base to position troops en masse. Movement of troops and equipment requires a substantial period of time, a luxury that one may not have in a time of conflict. Additionally, it would also facilitate routine movement in and out of the area expeditiously. All of this amounts to savings of time and money due to reduced costs of sustenance. This forms part of the triad of airfields at Leh and Thoise that translates into redundancy and enhanced combat capacity.
3. Intent. The infrastructure development at Nyoma is part of a broader effort to enhance border areas in Ladakh and the northeastern states. Multiple projects aimed at increasing connectivity are indicative of a shift in mindset that has alleviated the operational lethargy. Historically, India followed a “Scorched Earth Policy,” which argued that any infrastructure development in these areas would likely assist the adversary in the event of a conflict.[12] This argument was flawed and lacked supporting evidence. The recent undertakings have communicated a clear intent of breaking the myth of adversarial supremacy in these sectors.
4. Terrain. A comparative analysis of the airfield infrastructure on both sides of the LAC indicates that both forces face a similar dilemma when weighing the aspect of altitude of operation and its manifestations. All three airfields in India and multiple airfields in TAR are restricted in supporting aircraft operations with heavier payloads, thereby reducing the operational viability of their use. However, India has an edge in the proximity of these bases to its inland bases, which are located at much lower altitudes.[13] Therefore, an operational scenario can enable aircraft to take off with heavier payloads from lower airfields[14] and recover at these bases, resulting in a longer combat period.[15] The Chinese case is complicated because their lower-altitude bases are located much farther away, and they are dependent on these local airfields for support. Hence, Nyoma, in conjunction with Leh and Thoise, aims to balance the large capacity that the Chinese have built up over the years in TAR.
Conclusion
The rapid operationalisation of Nyoma suggests a fundamental transformation in the strategic thinking towards border defence. It indicates a shift from dependence on terrain barriers to creating a deterrent posture based upon infrastructure-backed operational capability. Tactically, Nyoma translates to reduced reaction time, longer loitering periods and an operational recovery facility for aircraft with higher payloads. Operationally, it provides a troika of airfields that offer redundancy and distributed asset management. Strategically, it conveys to the adversary that we are here to compete and that India does not concede to any belligerent intentions.[16] Achieving infrastructural parity is a long way off; however, it suggests intent and translates to deterrence, stability, and control of escalation. It does not topple the operational capability that the adversary has built up over time, but it does increase the cost of any misadventure manifold.
*****
CLICK TO VIEW THE PDF
Notes:
[1] Mayank Singh, “Nyoma Air Base Near LAC in Ladakh Operationalised, Air Chief Makes Inaugural Landing,” The New Indian Express, November 11, 2025, https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Nov/12/nyoma-air-base-near-lac-in-ladakh-operationalised-air-chief-makes-inaugural-landing#:~:text=NEW%20DELHI%3A%20The%20operational%20Capability,Actual%20Control%20in%20Eastern%20Ladakh. Accessed on November 13, 2025.
[2] Shivani Sharma, “At 13,700 Feet Near China Border, India’s Highest Airfield Gets Fully Operational,” India Today, November 11, 2025, At 13,700 feet near China border, India’s highest airfield gets fully operational – India Today. Accessed on November 11, 2025.
[3] Press Information Bureau, Government of India, “AN-32 Aircraft Lands at Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground in Ladakh,” June 21, 2010, https://archive.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=62489. Accessed on November 11, 2025.
[4] Shivani Sharma, “5 Years Since Galwan, How India Has Fortified Border with China,” India Today, June 15, 2025. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/galwan-5-years-how-india-fortified-border-with-reforms-roads-2740912-2025-06-15, Accessed on November 14, 2025.
[5] Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) is an airfield located at a higher altitude; however, it does not support fighter aircraft operations and serves as an advanced landing ground (ALG) only.
[6] “Nyoma Airbase Near China Border in Ladakh Now Operational,” Money Control, November 12, 2025, https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/nyoma-airbase-near-china-border-in-ladakh-now-operational-13672672.html. Accessed on November 11, 2025.
[7] “Nyoma Airbase Becomes Operational at 13,700 Ft, Breaking a World Record: A New Battlefront Advantage Against Kargil-like Situations,” Indian Masterminds, https://indianmasterminds.com/news/nyoma-airbase-worlds-highest-fighter-base-india-159506/, November 13, 2025.
[8] Rajeswari Rajagopalan, “How Is China Expanding Its Infrastructure to Project Power Along Its Borders?” CSIS ChinaPower, November 8, 2023, How Is China Expanding its Infrastructure to Project Power Along its Western Borders? | ChinaPower Project. Accessed on November 11, 2025.
[9] Rahul Singh, “IAF chief lands C-130J, inaugurates Nyoma airbase in Ladakh,” Hindustan Times, November 12, 2025, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iaf-chief-lands-c-130j-inaugurates-nyoma-airbase-in-ladakh-101762952103449.html , Accessed on November 14, 2025.
[10] “IAF Airlifted Over 68,000 Soldiers to Eastern Ladakh After Galwan Clashes,” Business Standard, August 13, 2023. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/iaf-airlifted-over-68-000-soldiers-to-eastern-ladakh-after-galwan-clashes-123081300337_1.html, Accessed on November 14, 2025.
[11] “IAF Airlifts Dozens of Tanks to Ladakh,” Indian Military Review, July 21, 2020, IAF Airlifts Dozens of Tanks To Ladakh | IMR. Accessed on November 11, 2025.
[12] Sudha Ramachandran, “India’s Worrying Border Infrastructure Deficit,” The Diplomat, June 19, 2014, India’s Worrying Border Infrastructure Deficit – The Diplomat. Accessed November 13, 2025.
[13] Sumit Mukharjee, “Application of Air Power in High Altitude Areas,” India Foundation, September 01, 2020, Application of Air Power in High Altitude Areas – India Foundation. Accessed November 13, 2025.
[14] “Factors That Affect an Aircraft’s Payload,” Air Planning, February 02, 2024, Understanding the Complex Variables that Affect an Aircraft’s Payload. Accessed on November 11, 2025.
[15] Anil Chopra, “How Nyoma Airfield in Ladakh Marks a Military Aviation Milestone,” Firstpost, November 10, 2025, How Nyoma airfield in Ladakh marks a military aviation milestone for India – Firstpost. Accessed on November 11, 2025.
[16] Ravi Shankar, “India’s Silent Surge: Massive Infrastructure Overhaul Along LAC to Deter China Post-Galwan,”
Bharat Shakti, June 24, 2025, Infrastructure Overhaul Along LAC to Deter China Post-Galwan. Accessed on November 11, 2025.
