Over the last few decades, India has been locked in a struggle with China for supremacy over the Indian Ocean. Now India has taken a major step towardsasserting its dominance in the Indian Ocean region with the construction of two military airfields in Lakshadweep.
Experts say that the construction of two military airfields in Lakshadweep addresses contemporary issues including supply chain security as well as persistent classic and non-traditional security threats.
In an effort to improve the armed forces’ operational capabilities in the region, the Indian government has sanctioned the construction of two military airfields in the Lakshadweep islands. The plan, which was approved under the tri-services concept, calls for extending the current Agatti island facility and building an airbase on Minicoy.
“These airfields will strategically extend India’s military reach deep into the Indian Ocean,” said retired Air Marshal G S Bedi told the media.
Bedi had helped plan their expansion while serving as Senior Air Staff Officer at the Southern Naval Command.
Bedi noted the logistical issues that India’s aircraft confront when taking off from continental coasts like Cochin or Trivandrum, such as refueling during missions and lengthy ocean monitoring.
He suggested that having two military airfields in Lakshadweep where aircraft may take off, refuel, and land after missions would considerably improve defense capabilities.
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Bedi emphasized that India has carefully studied logistics to guarantee that the airfields satisfy essential standards while seamlessly integrating into the surrounding topography and logistical structure, with due regard for maritime and aviation traffic.
The Air Marshal admits probable problems, such as fuel, weaponry, and other equipment maintenance requirements, but claims that “these challenges are surmountable.”
The airstrips “will also extend India’s operational reach, serving as critical assets deployed for various roles, including surveillance missions,” Bedi told reporters.
It will take a few years for the Lakshadweep airfields to become fully operational under the supervision of the local theater command, affecting operational integration and missile tactics.
