Record landing of IL-76MD in Nyoma: Air Force's heavy transport aircraft lands at an altitude of 13,629 feet
The Indian Air Force's heavy strategic transport aircraft, the IL-76MD, has successfully landed at the Nyoma airbase in Eastern Ladakh at an altitude of 13,629 feet. The Air Force stated on social media on Saturday that this is the highest altitude landing ever recorded for this aircraft anywhere in the world […]
What the Air Force said
According to the Air Force, this achievement is a testament to the aircraft's endurance as well as the skill, precision, and professional competence of its crew. This record is the Air Force's own claim, and information regarding its certification by any independent body has not been made public yet. The Air Force has also not clarified the date on which the landing took place.
What the record is for
This record pertains to the altitude of the landing of the IL-76MD aircraft. It is not a record for the highest altitude landing in the world. The Daulat Beg Oldie airstrip in Ladakh itself is at an altitude of approximately 16,700 feet and is considered the highest airstrip in the world.
Why Nyoma is important near the China border
The Nyoma airbase, also known as Mudh-Nyoma, is located near the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. In various descriptions, its distance from the LAC is stated to be between approximately 25 and 40 kilometers. The altitude of this airbase is considered to be around 13,700 feet. Its development is said to help in the rapid movement of troops, equipment, and supplies in border areas. The successful landing of a heavy transport aircraft here is being considered significant in terms of India's strategic airlift capability.
The journey from 2009 to 2025
The Nyoma airstrip was originally built during the 1962 India-China war and remained out of use for a long time. In September 2009, an Air Force AN-32 aircraft landed here, which was reported as the first landing of any fixed-wing aircraft at the location. Subsequently, it was activated as an Advanced Landing Ground. This airfield was later upgraded to a full-fledged airbase.
On 12 November 2025, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh landed here in a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to formally operationalize it. He was accompanied by Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra, Chief of the Western Air Command. This is the fourth Air Force base in Ladakh. Prior to this, there are airbases in Leh, Kargil, and Thoise. Following the upgrade, plans were announced for the operation of heavy aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster and IL-76. The recent landing of the IL-76MD is being seen as a step in that direction.
