Ladakh, Nov 07: The Indian Air Force (IAF) achieved a major aviation milestone on Saturday when its IL-76MD transport aircraft successfully landed at Nyoma air base in Ladakh at an altitude of 13,629 feet, setting a world record for the highest-altitude landing by the aircraft.
Located around 25 kilometres from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground holds strategic importance for the deployment of troops, equipment and essential supplies along the border.
In a post on X, the IAF according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the successful landing marked a new milestone in aviation history and demonstrated the aircraft’s capabilities as well as the exceptional skills and professionalism of its crew. “13,629 feet. A new height in aviation history. An Indian Air Force IL-76MD has scripted history with a successful landing at Nyoma, marking the highest-altitude landing ever achieved by the aircraft anywhere in the world,” the IAF said.
The IAF also lauded the crew for executing the challenging landing with precision and professionalism.
It may be recalled that the Nyoma air base became fully operational in November last year. Its three-kilometre-long runway was developed to facilitate rapid mobilisation of defence forces and strengthen India’s strategic capabilities along the northern frontier.
The project, sanctioned in 2021 at an estimated cost of Rs 214 crore, was designed to support emergency operations and the movement of heavy aircraft in extreme high-altitude conditions. (KNO)v
