Strategic Boost in Eastern Indian Ocean: IAF Upgrades Runway at Car Nicobar Air Base

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has significantly strengthened India’s strategic posture in the eastern Indian Ocean with the inauguration of an upgraded runway at the Car Nicobar air base. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan formally inaugurated the modernised infrastructure on Friday, marking a major milestone in enhancing India’s rapid response and operational reach near the strategically vital Malacca Strait.

Located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Car Nicobar air base is a crucial forward operating facility under the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC)—India’s only tri-service command integrating the Army, Navy and Air Force. The upgraded runway and associated infrastructure are expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s deterrence, surveillance and power projection capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.

Strategic Significance Near the Malacca Strait

The Malacca Strait is one of the world’s busiest and most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global trade and energy supplies passes. Car Nicobar’s proximity to this sea lane allows India to closely monitor maritime movements and respond swiftly to emerging security challenges in the Bay of Bengal and beyond.

With the upgraded runway, the IAF will be able to operate a wider range of aircraft with greater efficiency. The expansion of apron areas will facilitate smoother aircraft movement, faster turnaround times and enhanced operational readiness. According to officials, the modernised facility will also enable the IAF to conduct long-range firing exercises within minimal time frames, significantly improving combat preparedness.

Enhancing Rapid Response and HADR Capabilities

Beyond military operations, the upgraded air base strengthens India’s ability to undertake rapid deployment missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in the region. Given the island chain’s vulnerability to natural disasters, robust air infrastructure is essential for swift evacuation, relief supply drops and coordination with naval and ground forces.

Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, along with other senior officials, welcomed the CDS during the inauguration ceremony, underscoring the joint nature of operations at the strategically located base.

From Tragedy to Resilience

Car Nicobar air base carries deep historical and emotional significance. On December 26, 2004, a devastating tsunami struck the island, claiming the lives of 122 air warriors and their family members, along with hundreds of civilians. Entire villages were wiped out, coastlines were permanently altered and parts of the island were left as haunting reminders of the disaster.

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The newly upgraded infrastructure stands as a testament to resilience and long-term strategic planning. Designed to withstand operational stress and support sustained air operations, the modernised runway reflects India’s commitment to rebuilding stronger and more capable defence assets in vulnerable yet critical regions.

A Key Node in India’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Indo-Pacific, forward bases like Car Nicobar are increasingly vital. The air base acts as a springboard for joint operations, surveillance missions and maritime security initiatives, reinforcing India’s role as a net security provider in the region.

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With the upgraded runway now operational, the Indian Air Force is better positioned to project power, ensure maritime domain awareness and safeguard critical sea lanes that underpin global commerce and India’s own economic security.

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