Tambaram AFS

Tambaram Air Force Station is an Indian Air Force airfield located in Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It originated as RAF Station Tambaram during the British India period and was subsequently designated Tambaram Air Force Station after the British departed. The station's primary role is the training of pilots as Qualified Flying Instructors and providing mechanical training for airmen. As of 2015, the Flying Instructors School at the station operates a squadron of 15 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II basic trainers, which complement a fleet of Kiran Mk I and Mk II trainer aircraft, and HAL Cheetah and HAL Chetak helicopters. An An-32 transport squadron is also stationed at the base. In addition to training operations, helicopters from the Indian Navy have utilized this airfield. In 2017, the Indian Air Force proposed lengthening the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, which would facilitate assistance during natural disasters. There are also plans to use the air force station for smaller civilian ATR aircraft to help decongest Chennai International Airport.