Union Defence Minister AK Antony dedicated New Air Force Station at Thanjavur to Nation

Union Defence Minister AK Antony on 27 May 2013 dedicated to the nation the New Air Force Station at Thanjavur at a brief function held to mark the occasion.
 
The operationalisation of the Air Force Station, Thanjavur is directed towards strengthening the air defence capabilities of the Indian Air Force in general and the Southern Command, in particular.
 
The Station will play a vital role in protecting the various sensitive, strategic, industrial, aerospace and economic assets coming up in the Southern Peninsula the Station will also help protect our island territories and Sea Lines of Communication in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

In the emerging security scenario, the presence of Fighter Planes in Thanjavur helps in guarding our interests and also giving a feeling of safety to our neighbours.

About Thanjavur Airbase

• The Thanjavur airbase was first constructed in 1940 by the Royal Air Force.  During the period 1942-45, 36 Sqn, 353 Sqn and  60 Sqn of RAF operated from this airfield with Hudson, Wellington 1C, Hurricane and Thunderbolt aircraft.
• These aircraft were used in various roles which included fighter operations, air transport, anti- shipping and anti-submarine patrol.  
• After independence, the airfield was handed over to the Airports Authority of India and Vayudoot operations were undertaken from this base.
• Thanjavur airbase is poised to become a premier airbase in Southern Air Command. The status of the airbase as the pride of Southern Air Command befits the city of Thanjavur, which was a jewel in the crown of the Chola and Pandya Kingdoms.