On his first visit to Rajasthan after the bold Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at the Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner on Thursday. The strategically vital airbase, located just 15 km from Bikaner city and around 150 km from the Pakistan border, has a storied history dating back to the First and Second World Wars.
Recently, this historic base came under Pakistan’s radar during heightened tensions post-Operation Sindoor. However, the Indian Air Force swiftly neutralized Pakistan’s attempts, further reinforcing Nal Airbase’s critical defense role.
Pakistan’s Failed Strike on Nal Airbase During May 2025 Attacks
On 7–8 May 2025, Pakistan attempted coordinated drone and missile attacks on 15 Indian airbases—including Uttarlai (Phalodi, Barmer) and Nal (Bikaner). However, India’s defense forces, with unmatched preparedness, thwarted these attacks, maintaining full operational security.
Nal Airbase, due to its proximity to the 168 km-long international border, remains a constant focus of surveillance and strategic importance for both countries.
Historic Ties with World War I & II: Nal Airbase’s Glorious Past
Nal Airbase is not just a modern defense hub—its history stretches back over a century. During World War I, Bikaner State supported the British Army by allowing warplanes to land on its unpaved runways. In World War II, the British officially used the strip and later handed it over to Bikaner’s royal family.
In 1942, Maharaja Ganga Singh built a new airstrip and established a Flying Club, where British officers trained royal family members. Aircraft such as the DH-9, part of Britain’s 1920 Imperial Gift Scheme, were used here—one of which is still preserved at Junagarh Fort Museum.
Modernization and Strategic Evolution Post-Independence
- 1950: The airstrip was officially handed over to the Indian Air Force.
- 1963: The old unpaved runway was replaced with a modern airstrip.
- 1972: Renamed to No. 3 Forward Base Support Unit.
- 1989: Redesignated as 46 Wing.
Today, the base plays host to indigenous Tejas fighter jets, including the formidable ‘Cobra’ squadron. In February 2024, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team performed a stunning air show at this location.
Geostrategic Power: Pakistan’s Major Cities Within Range
Nal Airbase gives India a strong edge in air defense and strike capabilities. Six major Pakistani cities fall within striking range:
- Multan – 294 km
- Lahore – 402 km
- Islamabad – 630 km
- Peshawar – 687 km
- Muzaffarabad – 704 km
- Karachi – 719 km
The presence of war-ready aircraft at Nal often sends a strong deterrent signal to adversaries across the border.
Civil Aviation Boost: Flights from Bikaner
The civil terminal at Nal was inaugurated on 29 June 2014, marking Bikaner’s entry into commercial air connectivity. On 26 September 2017, Air India launched regular flights to Delhi. Currently, Bikaner offers:
- Daily flights to Delhi
- Flights to Jaipur twice a week (Mondays and Fridays)
Conclusion: Nal Airbase – A Symbol of India’s Historic and Strategic Might
From serving as a British World War airstrip to housing state-of-the-art Tejas fighter jets, Nal Airbase is a symbol of India’s defense evolution. Prime Minister Modi’s post-Operation Sindoor visit marks not only a strategic gesture but also a tribute to a base that has stood the test of time and tension.
As India strengthens its borders and modernizes its forces, Nal Airbase remains a key pillar in maintaining national security and asserting sovereignty.