Advance landing grounds in northeast by 2016: IAF chief

Most of advance landing grounds (ALGs) in the northeast, being upgraded in view of China ramping up its infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), are expected to be ready in the next three years, IAF chief N.A.K. Browne said Friday.

He also said the Indian Air Force (IAF) wants to convert the landing ground at Nyoma in Ladakh into a fully operational air base.

Addressing a press conference here to mark the 81st Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal Browne said ALGs in the northeast are being upgraded.

"These (ALGs) were lying disused for a number of years. Funds have now been released. We expect that by 2016, most of them will be ready," he said.

The ALGs in the northeast include Ziro, Passighat, Walong, Tuting and Mechuka.

Asked about plans for Nyoma in Ladakh, he said the place generally has good weather.

"In four to five years, we want to operate everything (various kinds of aircraft) from there. That is the long-term plan," he said.

Answering another query, he said India and China are working out a Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) and maintaining peace along their borders is a key result for both sides.

The IAF chief said maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is in the interest of both the countries.

He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would be going to China later this month.

"Border Defence Cooperation Agreement is being worked out. Their (China's) teams were here last week," he said.

Informed sources said the BDCA aims at preventing face-offs between the troops of the two countries along the LAC.