Indian Air Force Enhances Tezpur Air Base for Strategic Defense
Tezpur Air Base Expansion Plans
Guwahati, Jan 4: The Indian Air Force is set to enhance the capabilities of the Tezpur air base.
The Ministry of Defence has received approval from the Central government to acquire 382.82 acres of land located in Bokajan village, Sonitpur district.
This land acquisition aims to facilitate infrastructure development, the introduction of advanced weapon systems, and the establishment of strategic assets at the 11 Wing, Air Force Station, according to an official notification.
While there has been no formal announcement regarding deployment strategies, sources indicate that the government is implementing a comprehensive approach to bolster defense capabilities in the eastern region, particularly in response to perceived threats from neighboring countries.
India is expected to receive two additional S-400 Triumph air defense systems from Russia by the end of 2026. The procurement deal for five S-400 systems was finalized in 2018, with three already delivered.
Each S-400 squadron, which gained recognition during Operation Sindoor, comprises 16 vehicles equipped with launchers, radar, and control centers. This system can track threats up to 600 km away and engage targets within a 400 km range using four different missile types, effectively intercepting fighter jets, ballistic missiles, and drones, thus playing a vital role in India's defense strategy.
According to defense sources, the deployment of this mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system in Tezpur could cover the entire eastern theater, given that the distance to the second major base in the region, Chabua, is approximately 250 km.
Additionally, India is negotiating with Russia for further missile acquisitions, while the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed user evaluation trials for the next-generation Akash missile (Akash-NG) system.
The upgrade of the Tezpur air base has been long overdue, primarily due to land scarcity.
Should additional aircraft be deployed, the base will also necessitate more hardened aircraft shelters (HAS) to protect military aircraft from potential enemy attacks.
Established in 1942 during World War II by the British Royal Indian Air Force, the Tezpur airfield was transformed into a fully operational Indian Air Force base in 1959.
The first aircraft to operate from Tezpur were the Vampire and Toofani models. The 101 Reconnaissance Squadron, equipped with Vampire aircraft, and No. 4 Squadron, operating Toofanis, were the initial units stationed there.
Over the years, various squadrons and aircraft types have been inducted, including Toofani, Hunter, MiG-21, Gnat, Mi-4, the MiG Operational Flying Training Unit (MOFTU) with MiG-21 aircraft, and a Helicopter Unit operating Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
Currently, the base is home to two squadrons of Su-30 aircraft, along with other strategic assets.