IAF seeks govt nod to deploy Sukhois near China border

• The Indian Air Force has sought the defence ministry's approval for ramping up a strategic airbase near the Chinese border in Ladakh to support full-scale fighter operations, a reflection of India's new assertiveness against Beijing. Venturing into uncharted territory to fortify India's defences
• The Nyoma airstrip, 20 km from the Line of Actual Control between India and China, was activated last September after more than four decades.
• Western Air Command (WAC) is pushing for upgrading the Nyoma airstrip into a "major" base capable of launching an entire range of operations.