The Red Button Ain't Auto Eject

Kalaikunda is the preferred destination since it offers the largest airspace—unencumbered by civilian air traffic. Also, unlike many other IAF bases, Kalaikunda is a dedicated fighter base, says the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the base, Air Commodore Atul Saikia. The IAF spent over Rs 10 crore a couple of years back in upgrading and modernising the air base. "The runway was relaid and extended, the apron and other technical facilities overhauled and accommodation and other services updated to international standards to host large complements of foreign crews. Kalaikunda, for all practical purposes, would be the host base for all joint exercises," a senior officer of the IAF’s Eastern Air Command told Outlook. The last time the IAF and the US Air Force held a joint exercise at Kalaikunda, in November, there were street protests galore from the Left parties.