From files to frontline: PM Modi puts Deesa at heart of western defence

New Delhi,UPDATED: Apr 1, 2026 14:52 IST

During his visit to Gujarat on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted the strategic importance of the Deesa air base, inaugurated in October 2022.

PM Modi said the project had been stuck in bureaucratic limbo for years despite its national security importance. He suggested earlier governments had ignored the need, adding that once in office, his government cleared the files and pushed the project to completion.

WHY DEESA MATTERS ON THE WESTERN FRONT

Deesa’s importance isn’t new. The need for an air base here was identified decades ago, but it never took off.

Strategically located about 130 km from the Pakistan border, Deesa plugs a critical gap in India’s western air defence grid. After Jodhpur, there was a long stretch in Gujarat without a major air base between Jodhpur, Nal, Naliya and Bhuj.

Defence Ministry sources say the gap had long been a concern. Deesa, they note, is being developed to serve as a key operational base for the Indian Air Force.

Since its inauguration, work to operationalise the base has gathered pace. It is expected to function as a Forward Base Support Unit (FBSU), hosting radars, helicopters and surveillance assets, while also supporting fighter operations as needed.

Once fully ready, Deesa will bolster security over Kutch and act as a protective shield for critical assets like the Jamnagar refinery.

CLOSING THE GAP, BOOSTING STRIKE CAPABILITY

The base also sharpens India’s offensive edge.

Deesa helps bridge the gap between forward bases at Naliya and Bhuj in Gujarat and Phalodi in Rajasthan. It gives the IAF faster response times and deeper strike reach.

From here, Indian fighter jets can quickly access key Pakistani cities such as Hyderabad, Karachi and Sukkur if required.

Located in Banaskantha district, Deesa is emerging as a key military hub, enabling rapid deployment along the western front. At high speeds, fighter aircraft can cross the border within minutes if needed.

DELAYS, REVIVAL AND A PUSH AFTER FLOODS

The project dates back to 2000, when the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government granted in-principle approval and land was allocated. But it remained on the back burner for over a decade.

It was revived after Modi took office, with a major push coming after the 2017 Banaskantha floods.

During relief operations, the lack of a nearby air base made it difficult for the Air Force to mount an effective air bridge. That experience accelerated approvals, with the government clearing the project along with Rs 1,000 crore in funding.

A NEW NODE IN INDIA’S AIR DEFENCE NETWORK

Spread over 4,500 acres, Deesa is a greenfield air base being developed in phases.

It already has a 22-km boundary wall and multiple watchtowers, and will operate under the South Western Air Command.

Once fully operational, Deesa will significantly enhance surveillance and response capabilities in the region.

With this, Gujarat will have five air bases -- Vadodara, Jamnagar, Bhuj, Naliya and now Deesa -- further strengthening India’s western air defence network.

- Ends