IAF inaugurates Advance Landing Ground in Arunachal Pradesh

A resurfaced Advance Landing Ground (ALG) at Vijaynagar, Arunachal Pradesh has been recently inaugurated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). It will enable operations by military transport aircraft at the base near the China border. Eastern Army commander lieutenant general Anil Chauhan and Eastern Air Commander Air Marshal RD Mathur inaugurated the runway.

The Indian Air Force has made eight advanced landing grounds in the country till date with a cost of 720 crores. Apart from the present one in Vijaynagar others are at Ziro, Aalo, Pasighat, Tawang, Mechuka, Walong and Tuting.

What are the benefits of ALG?

• Since it is a remote area and the movement of larger transport aircraft will be enabled from this place.
• This ALG is located in a strategic location where the management of borders with China and Myanmar can become easier.
• Indian Air Force and Indian Army will get supplies in base camps and remote locations through Vijaynagar ALG.
• It will be helpful during any joint operation by IAF and the Indian Army.

Why it is important?

India shares 1643 km of border with Myanmar and 3488 km of border with China. However, Arunachal Pradesh alone shares 1126 km length of India-China border called Line of Actual Control (LAC). This newly opened ALG will provide a strategic lead to the Indian Air Force during any conflict with Myanmar or China. The Vijaynagar ALG will also be strategic assistance during any adverse climate condition in the region as there is no road connectivity available.

Background

The government of Arunachal Pradesh and Ministry of Defence signed an MoU in 2009 to construct an ALG in the region. The Vijaynagar Advance Landing Ground (ALG) was first made operational in the year 2011-12. However, it was non-operational since 2016 and resurfacing work was going on for the past few years. Since there is no road connectivity with Vijaynagar, IAF station at Jorhat coordinated to airlift all the loads.

(19)