An Indian Air Force (IAF) Russian-origin Ilyushin IL-76MD heavy transport aircraft has achieved a world record by successfully landing at Nyoma airbase in eastern Ladakh, marking the highest-altitude touchdown ever recorded by an aircraft of its type anywhere in the world.
Located at an elevation of 13,629 feet and barely 25 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the airbase presents formidable operational challenges owing to its high-altitude environment and thin air.
“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 in a post on X, accompanying a video of the landing.
The Air Force credited the achievement to the aircraft’s enduring operational capabilities and the exceptional skill, precision and professionalism of its crew in executing the demanding manoeuvre.
Nyoma airbase became operational in November last year, significantly enhancing India’s military infrastructure along the northern frontier. Its three-kilometre runway was built to enable rapid mobilisation of troops, equipment, and supplies while strengthening operational preparedness in eastern Ladakh.
Sanctioned in 2021 at an estimated cost of Rs 214 crore, the project was designed to support emergency operations and the movement of heavy aircraft under extreme high-altitude conditions, providing a major boost to India’s strategic and logistical capabilities near the China border.
Team BharatShakti
