World's Highest Airfield Daulat Beg Oldi: India's Strategic Outpost in Ladakh

India's Ladakh has the world's highest airfield. The Indian Army calls it DBO (Daulat Beg Oldi). The altitude of this airfield is 16,700 feet, or 5100 meters. Built in the Tarim Basin between the Karakoram Range and the hills of northern Ladakh, this airbase is of utmost importance for India's security. From here, the Indian Army keeps a close watch on Pakistan and China.

In 1960, the Indian Army set up a post here. The Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) was built after that. Notably, DBO is now also connected by road. This 235-kilometer-long road is known as the Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road. Border Roads Organization constructed it in 2019. The LAC is just 8 kilometers from Daulat Beg Oldi, while Aksai Chin under Chinese control is only 9 kilometers away. The temperature here goes down to minus 55 degrees Celsius, the weather changes at any time. Strong icy winds blow in this area. There are no forests or trees around DBO. There is no phone network in this area either.

The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are operating here. Squadron Leader C.K.S. Raje landed on this airfield for the first time in 1962 during the India-China war. After that, an An-32 cargo aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed in 2008. The ground of this airfield had weakened due to an earthquake in the middle. It was then repaired. After that, C-130J Super Hercules aircraft were landed here.

In 2001, the Government of India planned to build a road from Leh to DBO. This road was completed in 2019. This 235-kilometer long road is known as the Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road. It is built at an altitude of 13,000 feet to 16,000 feet. This road passes through the Shyok River valley, Murgo, Burtsa Nalla and Depsang plains.

The Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road is a strategic road that gives India access to the Karakoram Pass. This pass is a key trade route between India and Central Asia. The road also helps the Indian Army to quickly deploy troops and supplies to the region. The construction of the Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road was a major achievement for India. It has strengthened India's position in the Ladakh region and has deterred Chinese aggression.