NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF), the fourth largest force in the world which is on a fast-paced modernisation programme, will be opening up new bases and upgrading the existing ones right from Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir to Charbatia in Orissa to cater to India’s growing strategic interests across the globe.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne, ahead of the 79th Air Force Day on October 8, said that the IAF was developing the Kargil airfield to operate its yet to be acquire heavy-lift transport aircraft C-17 Globemaster and certain types of fighter jets.
To tackle the increasing threat perception owing to an assertive Eastern neighbour, the IAF will have its second special operations squadron of six C-130 Js Super Hercules transport aircraft at the Charbatia airbase. “We are working towards making Kargil runway fit for all operations. We want to invest money to use it for C-17 by 2017,” Browne said.
Kargil has a short runway of around 6,000 feet and 100 metre wide. At present, under the Airports Authority of India, the airfield was opened in 1996 to boost tourism in the northern sector and was also used by the IAF in 1999 to bomb the posts of insurgents sitting on the heights of Kargil.“Our An-32s (transport aircraft) are operating from there. We want to operate C-130s and C-17s. We should also have the capability to operate certain fighters from there.” he said.
Besides Kargil, the IAF has also mooted the proposal of opening another fighter-base in Ladakh at Nyoma, just 23 km from Indo-China border. The proposal is awaiting the nod of the Cabinet Committee on Security. It will also be basing one squadron of the Russian-built Mi-17 1V helicopters at Srinagar.
The Ladakh region and Thoise owing to inclement weather remains cut off for a good part of the year. So, the IAF is looking at more options to carry out its operations.
With the first special operations squadron of the IAF, the Veiled Vipers becoming operational in the national capital region, the IAF is going to place an order for an additional six C-130 Js Super Hercules transport aircraft with the US aerospace major Lockheed Martin. “The aircraft (C-130Js) will take care of the bulk of special operations. Next will be based in eastern theatre at Charbatia to take care of area of responsibility up to Andaman and Nicobar,” Browne said.