IAF IL-76 achieves world record landing at Nyoma airbase in Ladakh
The heavy-lift transport aircraft completed the highest-altitude landing of its type globally at the 13,700-foot altitude facility.
An Indian Air Force (IAF) IL-76MD heavy-lift transport aircraft has successfully landed at the Mudh-Nyoma airbase in eastern Ladakh, according to reports by the Times of India and BusinessLine. The IAF stated on social media that this was the highest-altitude landing ever achieved by this type of aircraft anywhere in the world.
The Nyoma airbase is situated at 13,700 feet above mean sea level and is located approximately 25 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The IAF described the touchdown as a milestone that reinforces the country's strategic airlift capability.
The airbase features a 3 km long runway capable of handling fighters and heavy transports. It is considered critical for India as it lies near sensitive sectors such as Demchok and the south bank of the Pangong Tso, which helps reduce deployment and reaction times compared to Leh or Thoise.
Originally built as an advanced landing ground during the 1962 war, the site was revived in 2009. In December 2022, the Border Roads Organisation invited bids to convert it into a full airbase at an estimated cost of Rs 214 crore, with work commencing in August 2023.
The facility was formally inaugurated on November 12, 2025, when then Air Chief Marshal AP Singh landed a C-130J Super Hercules there. This makes Nyoma the fourth IAF base in Ladakh, following Leh, Kargil, and Thoise.