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India’s air force chief made the first-ever landing of a military transport plane at a newly constructed airbase near the contentious Himalayan border with China, a defense official confirmed Thursday. The aircraft, a C-130J, touched down at Mudh-Nyoma station in Ladakh on Wednesday, located at approximately 13,000 feet (around 4,000 meters) elevation. This airbase is the region’s third strategic military station and is situated just 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The new facility is equipped for fighter jet operations, presenting a fresh challenge for both China and Pakistan, as noted by retired Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor on X (formerly Twitter). He pointed out that China already has a similar high-altitude airfield, emphasizing the strategic significance of this development.
Relations between India and China remain tense despite recent efforts to thaw the border conflict. Despite a 2020 border clash that left casualties, ties saw some easing after their 2024 agreement, which facilitated direct flights and mutual visits. Nonetheless, Indian officials continue to observe substantial troop redeployments and infrastructure expansion along the border, indicating lingering mistrust.
The prolonged border between the two nuclear-armed nations stretches approximately 3,800 km (about 2,400 miles), with sovereignty disputes dating back to the 1950s. The last major conflict over this border occurred in 1962. The current strategic positioning aims to deter further clashes and show military strength in the region.
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