Thanjavur to become premier airbase of Southern Air Command

Chennai:

Thanjavur airbase is poised to become a premier airbase in Southern Air Command with upgradation of its infrastructure.

The upgraded airbase, which was reviewed by Air Marshal RK Jolly, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command on Friday, is expected to be inaugurated by Defence Minister A K Antony on May 27.

The airbase was first constructed in 1940 by the Royal Force (RAF).  During the period 1942-45, 36 squadron, 353 Squadron and 60 Squadron of RAF operated from this airfield with Hudson, Wellington 1C, Hurricane and Thunderbolt aircraft.

These aircraft were used in various roles, which included fighter operations, air transport, anti-shipping and anti-submarine patrol.  After Independence, airfield was handed over to the Airports Authority of India and Vayudoot operations were undertaken from this base.

The status of the airbase as the pride of Southern Air Command befits the city of Thanjavur, which was a jewel in the crown of the Chola and Pandya Kingdoms. 

By the mid-eighties a need was felt to build up IAF’s air power capabilities in the Southern peninsula to provide air defence protection to the high value national assets as well as the island territories.   In addition, there was a growing need to protect the maritime trade and the large exclusive economic zone (EEZ).  The government, therefore, decided to create Southern Air Command at Trivandrum in 1984 and also gave approval for the formation of 47 Wing at Thanjavur. 

The IAF took over the airfield in March 1990.  With the modernization and induction of new technology into the

IAF, a need was felt to upgrade the infrastructure at Thanjavur for use in times of need, and the work towards it started in real earnest.  This included construction of runway, and other operational, maintenance and administrative infrastructure to support air operations.  The air base is now ready to undertake all fighter, transport and helicopter operations.

In the past, this air base has been used extensively for relief operations whenever the southern peninsula was affected by natural calamities. During the heavy floods in Tamil Nadu in November 2008, the IAF helicopters operating from Thanjavur dropped 15,000 kg of relief material in Papanasam, Mulanguri and Pandalenur areas. Such tasks could be undertaken more efficiently with the improved infrastructure at Thanjavur.