India reactivates airstrip along China border

India bolstered its defences along the China border by reactivating the famous Daulat Beg Oldie...

India bolstered its defences along the China border by reactivating the famous Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) airstrip in northern Ladakh, which overlooks the strategic Karakoram Pass and is just 8 kms away from the China-occupied Aksai Chin area. An AN-32 aircraft on Saturday successfully landed at the airstrip, which is now the world’s highest airfield at 16,200 feet, and flew back to Chandigarh airbase.

The military airfield has been reactivated after 43 years. AN-32 is the first twin engine aircraft which ever landed at the airstrip. The last time India landed a fixed-wing aircraft at DBO airfield was in 1965, and it was a three-engine Packet aircraft.

“By reactivating the airfield, India would like to be seen as exercising a more assertive presence in this area. Most of all it will be a great morale booster for our troops positioned there. Landing at DBO airfield will enable India to induct troops swiftly, improve communication network and increase the air effort in the region substantially. When roads are in disuse, the only way to induct troops will be by air,” says Air Marshal P K Barbora, Air Officer Commanding in chief, western Air Command.

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“It is not a pressure tactic against China. This step is meant to provide logistics and rotation of the troops operating in the area.”

Air Officer Commanding, 12 Wings, SRK Nair said the aircraft took off from the Chandigarh airbase at 4.50 am and landed at DBO airbase at 6.15 am. The crew stayed there for about 20 minutes and returned to Chandigarh.

Vijay Kumar Ahluwalia, General Officer Commanding, 14 Corps, said it was an example of coordination between IAF and Army. The Army personnel prepared the airstrip according to the IAF requirements within two months and made the landing of the aircraft successful.

IAF officials said Karakoram lies on an axis which could be used to threaten Ladakh. India is most vulnerable in this area. It was DBO which bore the brunt of Chinese aggression in 1962.

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