Hindon Air Force Station

Hindon Air Force Station is a premier air base of the Indian Air Force located near Ghaziabad in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It falls under the operational control of the Western Air Command and serves as a critical hub for transport, helicopter, and communication operations. The station's strategic location in the National Capital Region underscores its importance for the defense of the capital, New Delhi, and its role in national ceremonies.

History

The airfield was originally constructed in 1962 and was formally commissioned as an Indian Air Force base in 1965. Its establishment was part of a broader post-1965 War expansion of air infrastructure to bolster defenses around the national capital. Over the decades, Hindon has evolved from a basic airfield into one of the IAF's largest and most vital transport bases. It gained significant public prominence as the venue for the Republic Day parade flypast rehearsals and the grand Air Force Day parade and aerial display in 2018, which was held outside Delhi for the first time.

Facilities

The station features an extensive airfield with parallel runways capable of handling heavy-lift transport aircraft and operates around the clock. It houses major maintenance units for transport and helicopter fleets, including a base repair depot. Key infrastructure includes hardened aircraft shelters, extensive apron space, and advanced air traffic control systems. The base also contains comprehensive living accommodations, a modern airmen's hospital, and training facilities for various aircrew and ground support specialties under the Indian Air Force.

Based units

Hindon is home to several key operational and support formations of the Indian Air Force. It serves as the headquarters for the Central Air Command's communication squadron and hosts multiple transport squadrons equipped with aircraft like the Antonov An-32 and Dornier 228. The station is a major hub for helicopter operations, housing units flying the Mil Mi-17 and Mil Mi-26. Important lodger units include elements of the Indian Army Aviation Corps and the Border Security Force air wing.

Role and operations

The primary role of the base is strategic and tactical airlift, supporting troop movements, logistics, and humanitarian aid across India and beyond. Squadrons based here played crucial roles in operations such as Operation Vijay during the Kargil War and Operation Rahat for disaster relief. The station also provides vital VIP transport services for the Government of India using its fleet of Embraer ERJ 135 aircraft. Furthermore, it is integral to communication and liaison flights across the Western Air Command and Central Air Command areas of responsibility.

Accidents and incidents

The base has witnessed several aviation accidents over its operational history. In January 1999, an Antonov An-32 transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of all personnel on board. A notable incident involved a Mil Mi-17 helicopter, which made a forced landing near the airfield in 2010 due to technical failure. In a tragic accident in 2017, an Indian Air Force Dornier 228 on a training mission from the station crashed in Uttarakhand, claiming the lives of all crew members.

Category:Indian Air Force stations Category:Military installations in Uttar Pradesh Category:Buildings and structures in Ghaziabad district