Leh: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has created a record by landing its Ilyushin IL-76MD, popularly known as ‘Gajraj’, at an altitude of 13,629 feet, at the high-altitude Mudh-Nyoma airbase in eastern Ladakh.
This is the highest altitude at which an IL-76 aircraft has ever landed, the IAF has said.
It announced the achievement with a post on social media, declaring, “13,629 FEET. A NEW HEIGHT IN AVIATION HISTORY.”
Describing the landing as a significant operational milestone, the force said it demonstrated the aircraft’s enduring capabilities and the exceptional skills of its crew.
It was “a remarkable demonstration of the aircraft’s enduring capability, backed by the exceptional skill, precision, and professionalism of its crew. A milestone that reinforces India’s strategic airlift capability. Pushing boundaries. Redefining limits. Making history,” the IAF said.
This is a significant achievement given the difficult flying conditions at Nyoma, which lies more than 4,100 metres above sea level. At such altitudes, thin air reduces engine thrust and wing lift, while take-off and landing distances increase considerably.
It requires precise performance calculations, careful handling and close coordination among the crew to operate a four-engine strategic transport aircraft, capable of carrying around 40 tonnes of cargo in these conditions. Reduced engine performance and high density altitude leave pilots with little room for error.
Located in the Changthang region of the Leh district of eastern Ladakh, Nyoma is roughly 25 kilometres from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. It is among the highest operational military airbases in the world, with its elevation often placed at around 13,700 feet in official figures.
Nyoma started operations as a basic Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) during the 1962 Sino-Indian War but remained largely inactive for decades. It was reactivated in 2009 when an An-32 aircraft made a trial landing.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) undertook major infrastructure work to transform the remote airstrip into a full-fledged airbase following the 2020 India-China border standoff.
It now has a paved runway nearly 2.7-3 km long, capable of accommodating fighter aircraft, medium and heavy transport aircraft, and helicopters. Hardened shelters, logistics infrastructure and support facilities have also been developed to withstand temperatures that can fall to -40°C.
In November 2025, then Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh formally inaugurated the expanded base by landing a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft there.
Since then, Nyoma has been described as the world’s highest fighter-capable airfield. Its strategic location allows the armed forces to move troops, equipment and essential supplies quickly to forward areas along the LAC.
The Russian-origin aircraft has served as a backbone of the IAF’s strategic airlift fleet for decades.
