World | India
Air base to get new lease of life
India is set to revive another air base on the India-China frontier, nearly four months after landing an aircraft at one of the world's highest airstrips at Daulat Beg Oldie in Ladakh, officials said.
- IANS
- Published: 00:02 October 5, 2008
Leh: India is set to revive another air base on the India-China frontier, nearly four months after landing an aircraft at one of the world's highest airstrips at Daulat Beg Oldie in Ladakh, officials said.
The Fukche airbase in eastern Ladakh, which is only 2.5 kilometres away from the Line of Actual Control - the de facto border between India and China - will be made operational in a month. The Indian Army has been carrying out repair work at the airbase.
Testing
"The airfield should be ready in a month's time and thereafter the Indian Air Force will conduct trials to see if a fixed-wing aircraft could land at the base at times of natural calamity," Western Air Command Chief Air Marshal P.K. Barbora said.
Defence sources said the base will enable India to boost its communication network and improve supplies to troops.
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