New Delhi: In the backdrop of development of
Chinese military infrastructure along the border, Indian Air
Force (IAF) has activated an advanced landing ground (ALG) at
Dharasu in Uttarakhand to enable rapid movement of troops and
equipment in times of need.
The 3,400-feet-long ALG is situated near the China border
at an altitude of 2,950 feet in the hills and with restricted
approach from both sides, the IAF said in its journal `Blue
Glory`.
The first sortie to the ALG, a trial landing, was made by
an AN-32 transport aircraft by Central Air Command Senior Air
Staff Officer Air Marshal S Varthman and `Striking Yaks`
squadron Commanding Officer Group Captain S K Indoria, it
said.
In the last three to four years, India has taken several
measures to upgrade its military infrastructure along the
Chinese border.
ALGs have been activated in Ladkah region including
Daulat Beg Oldie at 16,000 feet and Fukche and Nyoma airfields
at over 12,000 feet altitude.
The IAF is also working on activating and upgrading ALGs
in the eastern sector including Pasighat, Mechuka, Walong,
Tuting, Ziro and Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh, the journal
said.
On its side, the Chinese have built several missile bases
and air bases in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) apart from
strengthening road infrastructure and rail link close to
Indian territories to enable swift mobilisation of its troops.
PTI
