Kathmandu [Nepal], November 8 – The Indian Air Force has achieved a new aviation milestone after successfully landing its heavy military transport aircraft the IL-76MD, at Nyoma airfield in eastern Ladakh claiming a world record for the highest-altitude landing by the aircraft.
Located at an altitude of 13,629 feet above sea level Nyoma airfield is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The Indian Air Force announced the landing on social media platform X describing it as a new milestone in aviation history.
The Russian-made IL-76MD is a four-engine heavy transport aircraft capable of carrying troops, military equipment and essential supplies. It can transport around 40 to 45 tonnes of cargo including heavy military vehicles.
The landing is strategically significant for India as Nyoma is located approximately 25 kilometres from the Chinese border. The airfield was upgraded as part of India’s efforts to strengthen military infrastructure and improve logistics in eastern Ladakh following the 2020 military confrontation with China.
The Border Roads Organisation upgraded the airfield at a cost of around 2.18 billion Indian rupees with its approximately three-kilometre runway officially inaugurated in November 2025. An Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft landed there during the inauguration.
The facility is expected to improve India’s ability to transport troops, tanks, armoured vehicles and other heavy equipment closer to sensitive border areas, including Demchok and Depsang.
Although India and China reached an agreement in October 2024 on patrolling arrangements and troop disengagement in eastern Ladakh, the region remains strategically sensitive. The latest landing highlights India’s efforts to strengthen its high-altitude air transport and military logistics capabilities.
