A new DEFENCE airbase is slated to come up atDeesain Banaskantha district ofGujaratfor the Indian Air Force (IAF). The foundation stone for the airbase will be laid by Prime MinisterNarendra Modiduring the Defence Expo 2022 scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar next week.
The decision to set up the airbase was taken in 2020 by the Centre. This will call for an of at least Rs 1,000 crore, according to sources privy to the development.
The airbase will, therefore, be a strategic location for theSouthwestern Air Commandwhich is tasked to protect Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The airbase will expand the operating range of the Indian fighter jets in war situations, according to experts.