Andhra Pradesh

World War 2 airstrip in AP to be converted into naval fighter plane base

Written by : TNM

The News Minute | December 4, 2014 | 8:30 am ISTThe Badangi airstrip, which was used by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, will now be used for training navy pilots after the Indian Navy got a no objection certificate (NOC) from the AP government on Wednesday.Eastern Naval Command chief Vice Admiral Satish Soni while addressing the media onboard the INS Shivalik on the eve of Navy Day, said that the World War 2 airstrip at Badangi in Vizianagaram will now house the Indian Navy’s fighter aircraft fleetThe proposal for the acquisition of the airstrip has been sent to the Naval Headquarters in Delhi and will also be forwarded to the Defence Ministry and the Finance Ministry, a report in the Times of India adds.The airstrip was one of the biggest RAF bases in British India covering over 221 acres and a control tower, separate underground armament depot and many underground bunkers and a natural pond for fire fighting. Only the runway remains today.It is estimated that the cost of developing the base might amount to around Rs 200-300 crore. Soni added that they may go for a 4000-4500 ft runway to cater to their needs.

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