Adampur Air Base: Know Location, Map and Other Details About Air Force Station

Adampur Air Base, or Adampur Air Force Station, is one of the most strategically significant and operationally active Indian Air Force (IAF) airbases. Its past, geography, and present capabilities render it a reliable pillar in India's northern air defense structure.

PM Modi Visit to Adampur Air Base on 13th May 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to the Adampur Air Base in the state of Punjab on May 13, 2025, on the understanding of its importance following India's success in its Operation Sindoor on terror training camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The visit held particular significance because it followed the time during which Pakistani claims of their having launched an attack against Adampur. 

They asserted that they disabled the S-400 air defense system of the base were being reported-claims which were squarely denied by Indian officials. During the visit, PM Modi was briefed on the operational readiness of the base, greeted air force personnel, and showcased the intact S-400 system and fighter jets in public, thus dispelling false reports and restoring India's military preparedness.

Significance and Key Messages

The Prime Minister's visit was a big morale booster for the armed forces and sent across a strong signal about India's unflinching commitment towards national security. He appreciated the courage and commitment of the staff involved in recent operations and underscored that India would continue to act firmly against terrorism and its patrons. The visit represented solidarity with the troops and exemplified India's determination to preserve strong defense capabilities in the face of external threats and propaganda.

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Location and Map of Adampur Air Base

• Geographical Position: Adampur Air Base is situated between the cities of Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur in Punjab, India. It lies approximately 6.7 km from Adampur town, 28 km from Jalandhar, and 27 km from Hoshiarpur, positioned beside National Highway 3 (NH-3).
• Coordinates: 31°25′59″N 75°45′38″E.
• Proximity to Border: The base is just about 100 km from the India-Pakistan border which shows its importance for northern air defenses.
• Map: The airbase’s location is clearly marked as a major military installation in Punjab.

Source: indianairforce.nic.in

Key Features and Infrastructure

• Size and Status: Adampur is the second largest airbase of the Indian Air Force, developed from a humble airstrip into a fully operational base over the past 75 years.
• Runway: The main runway is 9,039 feet long and 148 feet wide, surfaced with asphalt, suitable for handling a wide range of military aircraft.
• Dual Use: The facility serves both military and limited civilian (domestic airport) operations, catering to the Doaba region of Punjab.

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Operational Importance

• Strategic Importance: Adampur Air Base plays a key role in protecting the northern Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan states. The location near the border makes it a frontline air defense base.
• Historical Importance: The airbase played key roles in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. Interestingly, in the 1965 war, it was the only airbase that Pakistan was unable to penetrate despite being the priority target. In 1971, it continued to operate while most northern and western airbases were rendered non-operational, facilitating more than 100 sorties that caused heavy damage to enemies.
• Contemporary Defenses: One S-400 air defense missile regiment was also installed here in 2022 to further fortify its defense system. It also has upgraded surveillance and radar facilities.

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Aircraft and Squadrons

Current Aircraft: It is home to elite IAF fighter squadrons, such as the MiG-29s and Su-30 MKIs.

Notable Squadrons:

• 47th Squadron ("Black Archers") at Adampur.
• Forward deployment of the 28th Squadron ("First Supersonics") with Su-30MKI aircraft.

Recent Developments

• Operation Sindoor: Adampur was a key location during Operation Sindoor, withstanding attempted missile strikes from Pakistan, all of which were intercepted before reaching the base.
• PM Modi’s Visit: In May 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a visit to the base, emphasizing its long-term strategic significance and directly refuting disinformation about its operational status and the integrity of its S-400 defenses.

Adampur Air Base is a symbol of determination, technological progress, and strategic vision in India's military.

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