India's C-17 globemaster lands in Kargil for first time, strengthening border preparedness

It is a milestone for India's strategic airlift capability since the Indian Air Force (IAF) landed its huge four-engine C-17 Globemaster-III on the Kargil airfield for the first time. The airfield is over 9,700 feet above sea level with the area around it being occupied by hills along the LoC. It is a milestone towards the development of India's preparedness at borders. The aircraft took off from Hindon Airbase near Delhi and made the trial landing on Wednesday morning.

Night Landings Ahead: The Next Target

The next target is to carry out night landings of the C-17 at Kargil after the successful trial. While the aircraft is capable of taking 70 tons in normal situations, its loading capacity is reduced to around 35 tons due to the altitude of Kargil. One particular area of interest was that a smaller C-130J Super Hercules performed a night landing in Kargil last year. The addition of the C-17 will dramatically enhance transport ability and is a game-changer in terms of logistical support to high-altitude regions.

Eye on China and Pakistan

India has been upgrading its forward airbases and Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) along the China and Pakistan borders on a continuous basis. In Ladakh, strategic locations such as Thoise, Fukche, Nyoma, and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) have seen infrastructure upgradation. Similarly, ALGs in Arunachal Pradesh such as Pasighat, Mechuka, Walong, Tuting, and Ziro are being upgraded. For instance, Nyoma ALG is being upgraded at a cost of ₹230 crore to build a 2.7-kilometer-long runway for fighter aircraft.

Contribution of C-17 and C-130J Aircraft

Over the past 15 years, India has procured 11 C-17 Globemasters costing $4.5 billion and 13 C-130J Super Hercules planes costing $2.1 billion from America. The planes have been deployed for the deployment of troops, disaster relief operations, and evacuations. In August 2013, a C-130J landed at Daulat Beg Oldie, the highest airstrip in the world at 16,614 feet near the Karakoram Pass, becoming the first plane to do so.

Strategic Importance

The C-17's safe landing at Kargil reflects India's growing military readiness in strategically important regions. Not only does it improve the rapid deployment of resources, but it also strengthens India's defense on its borders with China and Pakistan. Night landings, to be accomplished in the near future, will also strengthen India's operational capabilities in these high-altitude areas.