Air Marshal (retd) Pranab Kumar Barbora on why he decided to reactivate DBO airstrip without any written permission

The Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) airstrip in eastern Ladakh which is currently being used in the ongoing dispute with China was reactivated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in May 2008 without taking written permission from the Centre, said former Vice Chief Air Marshal (Retd) Pranab Kumar Barbora. One of the highest advanced landing grounds at an altitude of over 16,800 feet, DBO airstrip can be used for landing aircraft like the AN-32 and the C-130J Super Hercules.