IAF planning fighter plane base in Nyoma in Ladakh, says Browne

It is right now with the Finance Ministry and is expected to be taken up by the Cabinet next month, he said.

“All types of aircraft including fighters, helicopters and transport aircraft would be able capable of being deployed and operated from there,” he said.

Browne said the airbase, located at an altitude of around 13,000 feet, is lower in height than the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) at Daulat Beg Oldie but was higher than the air bases in Leh and Thoise.

The IAF had recently created a record of sorts by landing its C-130J Special Operations aircraft at the DBO ALG, which is situated at an altitude of over 16,000 feet and is close to Depsang Valley where Chinese troops had infiltrated and pitched the tents for 21 days earlier this year.