Chabua AFS
Summary
Operating Country | 🇮🇳 India |
Location | 🇮🇳 India |
Status | ◉ Active |
Usage | Military only |
Year built | 1939 |
Operating Organization | Indian Air Force |
Units |
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Description
Chabua Air Force Station is an Indian Air Force base located in Chabua, Dibrugarh district, Assam, India. The base was constructed in 1939. During World War II, it served as a major supply point for ferrying supplies to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek's forces in China, a mission known as "Flying the Hump." This route was established after the Japanese occupation of Burma cut off land supply routes. The United States Army Air Forces' Ferrying Command and later Air Transport Command operated C-47 Skytrain and C-46 Commando aircraft from Chabua. The airfield also functioned as a layover stop on the Karachi-Kunming air transport route. Additionally, elements of the Tenth Air Force's 380th Bombardment Group and 375th Bombardment Squadron operated B-24 Liberators from the base for long-range bombardment missions into Burma, southern China, Thailand, and French Indochina, and for ferrying aircraft fuel into China. After World War II, the airfield was abandoned. The Indian Air Force recommenced operations from this airfield in 1962 following increased tensions with China. Initially, Dakotas, Vampires, Hunters, Otters, and Mi-4 helicopters operated from the base. The runway was upgraded and renovated in the mid-seventies. The base is currently operated by the Indian Air Force and hosts No. 102 Squadron IAF and No. 14 Wing.