The Indian Air Force is set to get a new airfield in the disputed state of Arunachal Pradesh, located barely 100 km away from the Indo-China border, NDTV reported.         

The airfield, which is located at Pasighat town in Southeast Arunachal Pradesh, has been named 'Pasighat ALG.' It was refurbished from an operational forward airfield and will become operational from August 19. This is the fifth airfield that has been refurbished for operation in recent times in the disputed state, which is claimed by both China and India.

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The move is seen as a strategy to counter's China's deployment of airfields across the border. China has deployed 15 small to medium airfields in the autonomous region of Tibet. According to reports, India's latest airfield in Arunachal Pradesh can support heavy fighter jets like Su-30MKI and heavy lift transport planes like the US-built C-130J.         

"Pasighat ALG is a strategic asset it is capable of operating all types of aircrafts and helicopters. It improves our response time. Besides it will also increase our air operations in the eastern frontier," Group Captain Amit Mahajan told NDTV.

China's Claim over Arunachal Pradesh  

China and India have competing territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh became part of China by virtue of the Simla Accord of 1914, signed between the Tibetan government and British India.

However, China does not recognize this treaty and claims sovereignty over the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh.

New Delhi often accuses Chinese army of incursion into Arunachal Pradesh, but Beijing has denied these allegations.

TagsArunachal Pradesh, china, China and India, India