New defence airfield at Minicoy gets nod as govt expands Lakshadweep military presence

NEW DELHI: Govt on Thursday cleared the plan to construct a new defence airfield at Minicoy, which would also be used for civilian purposes, as well as extend the runway at Agatti, as part of the overall move to boost military presence in Lakshadweep archipelago in Arabian Sea.
The two dual-use airfields will be handling fighter jets and military transport aircraft, apart from commercial airliners, sources said.Govt approval follows commissioning of naval base INS Jatayu at Minicoy in March, which along with the two airfields will help in monitoring the crucial sea lines of communication in the region.