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The Car Nicobar Air Base has undergone a major upgrade of its runways to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force in the Eastern Indian Ocean. The airbase, located under the Andaman and Nicobar Command, now has extensive infrastructure to support increased military readiness and rapid deployment in this strategically important region.
The resurfaced track is approximately 2.7 kilometers long and 43 meters wide. It is expected to be inaugurated today by Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan. The new facility aims to strengthen India’s forward military presence in a location that guards the busy Strait of Malacca, a key global shipping route.
Expanded aprons were constructed to allow greater aircraft parking and faster turnarounds. Additionally, a renovated taxi strip was developed to serve as a secondary runway in the event of an emergency or surge operations, improving the base’s operational flexibility.
Sources say the 37 Wing airbase at Car Nicobar will now function with an upgraded runway and a new detachment, thereby strengthening India’s forward air presence in the Eastern Theater of Operations. This development is expected to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s ability to deploy resources and project power in the region.
After the inauguration, Su-30 MKI fighter jets will begin strategic operations from the base, and Mirage fighters are expected to join them later. These aircraft will participate in long-range firing and strike exercises, thereby strengthening the combat readiness of the Air Force in the region.
The runway improvements and infrastructure expansion will also support increased missile test-firing activities by the Indian armed forces near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This will enhance India’s deterrence and surveillance capabilities in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Defense planners view the Car Nicobar modernization as a force multiplier that strengthens India’s ability to monitor, deter and respond to emerging security challenges in the eastern maritime domain. The modernized base is considered a critical asset in maintaining security and situational awareness in the region.
Car Nicobar Air Base (VOCX), with its 02/20 concrete runway, serves as a critical logistics and operational center for the Indian Air Force. These improvements reflect ongoing efforts to maintain strategic advantage and operational readiness in line with evolving regional security dynamics.
