In an effort to enhance air connectivity in the strategically important Arunachal Pradesh, an advanced landing ground (AlG) was inaugurated there on Wednesday. It is the sixth AlG to get operational in the State, thereby increasing the reach of Indian Air Force(IAF) to provide logistical support to troops posted on the line of Actual Control (lAC) facing China. Moreover, these AlGs are fit for fighter jet flying and giving a boost to IAF's deterrence capabilities to counter any threat from the eastern neighbor.
The latest AlG was made operational at Tuting, a small town located in the Upper Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the AlG in the presence of Eastern Command chief Air Marshal C Hari Kumar.
The other AlGS which were now functioning include Pasighat, Walong, Ziro,Mechuka and Tawang. Most of these airfields are able to facilitate landing of giant transport planes like C-17s and medium transport plane C-130 J besides frontline fighter jet SU-30s. These AlGS gives the much needed muscle to the IAF to conduct operational flying covering the eastern sector. Moreover, the transport planes ensure that troops get logistical support throughout the year.
The project to develop these airfields was approved by Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at a cost of more than Rs1,000 crore. The land of Tuting AlG was taken over by the IAF on January 15, 2010.
This AlG was upgraded with a full-fledged runway and all the associated facilities. The strategic location of Tuting AlG will make it a launching pad for the IAF operations as well as a facilitator to the administration in the management of border area. The AlG will be used to bring in vital supplies from cities in Assam via fixed wing aircraft and helicopters besides meeting challenges during natural calamities. Commencement of civil flights operations from AlG Tuting was also proposed to Director General Civil Aviation and Airport Authority of India.