India reactivates airstrip along China border

“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.

“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.