Article Posted on : - Aug 03, 2015

KOLKATA (PTI): Indian Air Force has revamped Panagarh air force station in West Bengal so that all types of aircraft can be flown from there.

"Panagarh has become a strategic asset and will be one of the premier air bases under Eastern Air command. Latest assets such as C-130J Hercules, state-of-the-art technology radar system and surface to air missile system are planned for induction at this station," a Defence statement said.

The refurbished runway will be capable of operating all aircraft in the inventory of IAF.

Availability of this airfield will also enhance the mobility of Indian Army's Mountain Strike Corps, which will also be stationed at Panagarh in the near future, the statement said.

Additionally, this station will also provide launching base for all humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

The aircraft operating surface at Panagarh was constructed from 1942-44 during the Second World War by the US Allied forces as part of CBI (China-Burma-India) Campaign.

During 1971 war the airbase was activated and two Fighter Squadrons (Sukhoi-7 & MiG-21) were deployed here for operations.

Air Marshal S B Deo, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command will inaugurate the resurfaced runway on Tuesday, the statement said.

The AOC-in-C will also visit various operational facilities and lodger units of the station and interact with air warriors at the airbase during his visit, it added.