Leh airport / airbase....
capacity to hold almost a squadron strength of fighters under protection, rest couple of big tarmacs available where more fighter aircraft can be parked...in the open...
The C17 Globemasters, they are not bringing in rations etc...these essential supplies are already stocked in the area for supporting a surge.....in my opinion C17s are actually bringing in all what IAF requires, which includes munitions of all types for fixed and rotary aircraft both, spares etc....
Reports are there of C17s, SU30s, Mig29s, AH-64, Chinooks...
View attachment 643149
This AH64 is not flying with its combat load, i dont know whether the cannon is armed or not......but atleast missiles are not visible......either he is flying around for orientation, recce (should be armed recce) or maybe their ROEs arent allowing them to escalate....
Moreover, judging from the reporter's locations, hes standing on the south / south eastern side of the base, therefore this AH-64 is facing towards the west flying taking off...Ghalwan is towards the Northeast of Leh...of course it could be taking a longer circuit towards wherever it is going....
Leh base to Ghalwan area is almost 100 km(crow flight), combat radius of AH64 is a bit less than 500 km, out of which 200 km are for going there and coming back....
View attachment 643151
Mig29 taking off while AH64 waits for its turn.
Some random thoughts.