The Author is Former Director General of Information Systems and A Special Forces Veteran, Indian Army

Nyoma Airfield in Ladakh is a newly operational Indian Air Force (IAF) base located at an altitude of 13,700 feet, making it one of the highest airfields in the world. It is situated close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and has a new 3-km paved runway designed to support heavy transport aircraft and fighter jets. The airfield enhances India's military response time and security in the region and also has the potential to support civilian flights for local communities.

The airfield was originally a dirt strip established in 1962 but was lying unused for decades. It was reactivated as an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in September 2009, when an IAF AN-32 transport aircraft landed there for the first time. A major upgrade project began in September 2023 following the 2020 border standoff with China. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) oversaw the upgrade into a full-fledged airbase at a cost of ₹214 crore to ₹230 crore, which was completed in November 2025. Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flew into Nyoma airfield and landed a C-130J on November 12, 2025, marking it as a fully operational airbase of the IAF. Located just 35 km from the Chinese border, Air Force Station 'Mudh-Nyoma' is capable of fighter jet operations and is probably the highest airfield of its kind located at 13,700 feet. The upgrade project was to transform Nyoma from an airstrip used earlier by military transport aircraft to a full-fledged airbase that can handle high-tempo fighter jet operations.

Nyoma Airfield in Ladakh is a newly operational Indian Air Force (IAF) base located at an altitude of 13,700 feet, making it one of the highest airfields in the world

Key features and capabilities of Nyoma Air Base include: Altitude - situated at 13,700 feet above sea level, it is the highest operational airbase in the country and one of the highest in the world; Runway - features a new 3-km paved runway, which is capable of supporting heavy aircraft; Strategic location - located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the airfield allows for quicker deployment of troops and resources to the border in eastern Ladakh. Fighter jet capability - the base is designed to eventually accommodate fighter jets, with the potential for them to be deployed from early 2026, giving it a significant edge in rapid-reaction capabilities; Infrastructure – the upgrade included constructing new facilities like a control tower, hangars, and a crash bay.

Operational significance of Mudh-Nyoma includes: Military readiness – the airfield strengthens India's military posture along the border with China, providing a strategic asset for surveillance and rapid response during any military friction; Logistical support – it serves as a crucial logistical hub, enabling faster movement of supplies and troops to the sensitive Demchok Sector and Depsang Plains; Civilian support – in addition to military use, the airfield is expected to improve connectivity and support development for the local population by eventually allowing civilian flights.

The fully operational airbase can now handle fighter jets, heavy transport aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III, and attack helicopters like the Apache

High altitude and proximity to the LAC allows for rapid deployment of troops, equipment and supplies to forward areas from Nyoma airbase. The fully operational airbase can now handle fighter jets, heavy transport aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III, and attack helicopters like the Apache. It strengthens India's forward military posture and provides a quick-response capability. Nyoma also serves as a hub for logistics, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions, using a variety of manned and unmanned aircraft.

According to the media reports of November 21, 2025, Ladakh's Lt Governor, Kavinder Gupta, has cleared 16 major projects spanning the Army, Power Development Department (PDD), and Border Roads Organisation (BRO), all located within the ecologically sensitive 'Karakoram' and 'Changthang' Wildlife Sanctuaries. The decision was taken at the 14th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife. He underscored that while defence infrastructure is critical to Ladakh's security and national interests, every project must uphold the region's fragile ecosystem. Gupta directed the Army and the BRO to ensure establishment and proper maintenance of waste management systems at every operational site. These include segregation, scientific processing, and safe disposal facilities using modern technologies compliant with national environmental standards.

16 major projects in Ladakh, spanning the Army, Power Development Department (PDD), and Border Roads Organisation (BRO), have been cleared by the Government

Gupta reiterated that no compromise would be tolerated regarding adherence to environmental safeguards, especially given the sanctuaries' high-altitude biodiversity and vulnerability to human-induced disturbances. Each approved project is bound by the mandatory implementation of recommendations contained in the Biological Impact Assessment Report. This report formulates measures to balance developmental needs against ecological impacts, outlining procedures for mitigating negative effects on flora, fauna, and wetland systems unique to Ladakh's plateau environment.

Gupta stressed that sustainable development in frontier regions must advance in tandem with conservation measures to safeguard Ladakh's natural heritage for future generations. He ordered a total prohibition on dumping leftover food or garbage outside Army or BRO complexes. He instructed all executing agencies to operate under continuous environmental monitoring to guarantee compliance and accountability.

Ladakhis have been demanding political participation, Statehood and implantation of the Sixth Schedule (both promised by the Centre) to protect the fragile ecology, as well as their livelihood. The location of these 16 major projects are mentioned within the ecologically sensitive 'Karakoram' and 'Changthang' Wildlife Sanctuaries, but does this include the pasture lands of locals which were allotted earlier to the corporate for power projects, protesting against which Sonam Wangchuk is imprisoned in Jaipur. It would be good for the Ladakh Administration to take the Ladakhis on board – their participation should be a must.