Kalaikunda Air Force Station - Revision history

OdessaProsser28: rework information for accuracy additionally and improved wording

2026-03-25T17:06:25Z

rework information for accuracy additionally and improved wording

CleanupBot II: Removed empty portal template using script

2023-08-14T08:06:30Z

Removed empty portal template using script

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:36, 14 August 2023
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	==See also==		==See also==
	~~{{Portal\|World War II}}~~
	* [[Operation Matterhorn]]		* [[Operation Matterhorn]]

Bot at 14:44, 4 November 2022

2022-11-04T14:44:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:14, 4 November 2022
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	{{Short description\|Indian Air Force Station in West Bengal, India}}		{{Short description\|Indian Air Force Station in West Bengal, India}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=October ~~2022~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=October 2018}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=October ~~2022~~}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=October 2018}}
	{{Infobox airport		{{Infobox airport
	\| name = Kalaikunda Air Force Station		\| name = Kalaikunda Air Force Station
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	[[File:B-29 "The Craig Comet" of the 794th Bomb Squadron 468th Bomb Group.jpg\|thumb\|Photo of "The Craig Comet" Bell-Atlanta B-29-15-BA Superfortress 42-63445 of the 794th Bomb Squadron 468th Bomb Wing, Kalaikunda AB, India]]		[[File:B-29 "The Craig Comet" of the 794th Bomb Squadron 468th Bomb Group.jpg\|thumb\|Photo of "The Craig Comet" Bell-Atlanta B-29-15-BA Superfortress 42-63445 of the 794th Bomb Squadron 468th Bomb Wing, Kalaikunda AB, India]]
	'''Kalaikunda Air Force Station'''		'''Kalaikunda Air Force Station'''
	{{airport codes\|\|VEDX}} is an [[Indian Air Force]] Base in [[Kharagpur]], located in the [[West Midnapur]] district of the state of [[West Bengal]]. It was the home of [[No. 18 Squadron IAF]], the Flying Bullets. The squadron flew the Indian license-built [[Mikoyan MiG-27]]ML till its decommissioning in April 2016.<ref name=TOI>{{cite web\|title=No. 18 Squadron numberplated\|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/kolkata/MiG-27-squadron-number-plated-at-Hasimara/articleshow/51846931.cms\|publisher=Times Of India\|access-date=15 April ~~2022~~}}</ref> A squadron of [[Su-30 MKI]]s is now at the base.<ref name="toi_report"/>		{{airport codes\|\|VEDX}} is an [[Indian Air Force]] Base in [[Kharagpur]], located in the [[West Midnapur]] district of the state of [[West Bengal]]. It was the home of [[No. 18 Squadron IAF]], the Flying Bullets. The squadron flew the Indian license-built [[Mikoyan MiG-27]]ML till its decommissioning in April 2016.<ref name=TOI>{{cite web\|title=No. 18 Squadron numberplated\|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/kolkata/MiG-27-squadron-number-plated-at-Hasimara/articleshow/51846931.cms\|publisher=Times Of India\|access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> A squadron of [[Su-30 MKI]]s is now at the base.<ref name="toi_report"/>

	==History==		==History==
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	==Current Status==		==Current Status==

	The airbase at Kalaikunda will play an extremely crucial role in the country's defences. Aircraft based here can assist with air defence over the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Bay of Bengal. [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]] in the A&N Islands will be in charge of the squadrons of [[Sukhoi Su-30]]MKIs and other advanced aircraft based at Kalaikunda for this purpose. This decision was taken when plans for basing Sukhois in the Andamans got scuttled after the 2004 tsunami in which the IAF lost assets. "Till now, Kalaikunda — while performing several other duties — has been a bridge with the Andamans. The role of the base will grow and aircraft based here will play a vital role in patrolling the skies over the Andamans and the Bay of Bengal. Kalaikunda will play several roles that include air defence, training and building better co-operation in the region for a possible [[NATO]]-like alliance with India playing the pivotal role," an official said.<ref name="toi_report">{{cite news\|title=Kalaikunda fighters in charge of Andaman and Nicobar Islands defences \| newspaper=The Times of India \|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kalaikunda-fighters-in-charge-of-Andaman-and-Nicobar-Islands-defences/articleshow/10214082.cms \| date=3 October 2011 \| first=Jayanta \| last=Gupta \| access-date=27 October ~~2022~~}}</ref>		The airbase at Kalaikunda will play an extremely crucial role in the country's defences. Aircraft based here can assist with air defence over the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Bay of Bengal. [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]] in the A&N Islands will be in charge of the squadrons of [[Sukhoi Su-30]]MKIs and other advanced aircraft based at Kalaikunda for this purpose. This decision was taken when plans for basing Sukhois in the Andamans got scuttled after the 2004 tsunami in which the IAF lost assets. "Till now, Kalaikunda — while performing several other duties — has been a bridge with the Andamans. The role of the base will grow and aircraft based here will play a vital role in patrolling the skies over the Andamans and the Bay of Bengal. Kalaikunda will play several roles that include air defence, training and building better co-operation in the region for a possible [[NATO]]-like alliance with India playing the pivotal role," an official said.<ref name="toi_report">{{cite news\|title=Kalaikunda fighters in charge of Andaman and Nicobar Islands defences \| newspaper=The Times of India \|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kalaikunda-fighters-in-charge-of-Andaman-and-Nicobar-Islands-defences/articleshow/10214082.cms \| date=3 October 2011 \| first=Jayanta \| last=Gupta \| access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref>

	The installation has grown steadily in importance over the years. "A large area falls within the responsibility of this base. There are several bases in the northeast but along the eastern coast, the closest one is in Chennai. It is our job to handle the defences along the coast and the Bay of Bengal region. We play host to several foreign air forces interested in joint exercises with the IAF," the official added.<ref name="toi_report"/>		The installation has grown steadily in importance over the years. "A large area falls within the responsibility of this base. There are several bases in the northeast but along the eastern coast, the closest one is in Chennai. It is our job to handle the defences along the coast and the Bay of Bengal region. We play host to several foreign air forces interested in joint exercises with the IAF," the official added.<ref name="toi_report"/>

Bot at 14:44, 4 November 2022

2022-11-04T14:44:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:14, 4 November 2022
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	{{Short description\|Indian Air Force Station in West Bengal, India}}		{{Short description\|Indian Air Force Station in West Bengal, India}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=October ~~2018~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=October 2022}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=October ~~2018~~}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=October 2022}}
	{{Infobox airport		{{Infobox airport
	\| name = Kalaikunda Air Force Station		\| name = Kalaikunda Air Force Station
	\| ensign = [[File:Roundel of India.svg\|80px]]		\| ensign = [[File:Roundel of India.svg\|80px]]
	\| image = ~~[[File:MiG-27 from No.18 Squad, Kalaikunda.jpg\|300px\|MiG-27 from No.18 Squad, Kalaikunda]]~~		\| image =
	\| caption = ~~Indian Air Force MIG-27~~		\| caption =
	\| IATA =		\| IATA =
	\| ICAO = VEDX		\| ICAO = VEDX
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	[[File:B-29 "The Craig Comet" of the 794th Bomb Squadron 468th Bomb Group.jpg\|thumb\|Photo of "The Craig Comet" Bell-Atlanta B-29-15-BA Superfortress 42-63445 of the 794th Bomb Squadron 468th Bomb Wing, Kalaikunda AB, India]]		[[File:B-29 "The Craig Comet" of the 794th Bomb Squadron 468th Bomb Group.jpg\|thumb\|Photo of "The Craig Comet" Bell-Atlanta B-29-15-BA Superfortress 42-63445 of the 794th Bomb Squadron 468th Bomb Wing, Kalaikunda AB, India]]
	'''Kalaikunda Air Force Station'''		'''Kalaikunda Air Force Station'''
	{{airport codes\|\|VEDX}} is an [[Indian Air Force]] Base ~~near~~ [[Kharagpur]], located in the [[West Midnapur]] district of the state of [[West Bengal]]. It was the home of [[No. 18 Squadron IAF]], the Flying Bullets. The squadron flew the Indian license-built [[Mikoyan MiG-27]]ML till its decommissioning in April 2016.<ref name=TOI>{{cite web\|title=No. 18 Squadron numberplated\|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/kolkata/MiG-27-squadron-number-plated-at-Hasimara/articleshow/51846931.cms\|publisher=Times Of India\|access-date=15 April ~~2016~~}}</ref> A squadron of [[Su-30 MKI]]s is now at the base.<ref name="toi_report"/>		{{airport codes\|\|VEDX}} is an [[Indian Air Force]] Base in [[Kharagpur]], located in the [[West Midnapur]] district of the state of [[West Bengal]]. It was the home of [[No. 18 Squadron IAF]], the Flying Bullets. The squadron flew the Indian license-built [[Mikoyan MiG-27]]ML till its decommissioning in April 2016.<ref name=TOI>{{cite web\|title=No. 18 Squadron numberplated\|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/kolkata/MiG-27-squadron-number-plated-at-Hasimara/articleshow/51846931.cms\|publisher=Times Of India\|access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> A squadron of [[Su-30 MKI]]s is now at the base.<ref name="toi_report"/>

	==History==		==History==
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	It was originally designed for [[B-24 Liberator]] use. In 1943, it was designated as a [[B-29 Superfortress]] Base for the planned deployment of the [[United States Army Air Forces]] [[XX Bomber Command]] to India. Advance Army Air Forces echelons arrived in India in December 1943 to organize the upgrading of the airfield and thousands of Indians labored to upgrade the facility for Superfortress operations. It was one of four B-29 bases established by the Americans in India.		It was originally designed for [[B-24 Liberator]] use. In 1943, it was designated as a [[B-29 Superfortress]] Base for the planned deployment of the [[United States Army Air Forces]] [[XX Bomber Command]] to India. Advance Army Air Forces echelons arrived in India in December 1943 to organize the upgrading of the airfield and thousands of Indians labored to upgrade the facility for Superfortress operations. It was one of four B-29 bases established by the Americans in India.

	When the [[XX Bomber Command]] arrived at Kalaikunda in late March 1944, the conditions at the base were poor, and the runways were still in the process of being lengthened when the first B-29s arrived. Along with Command Headquarters, Kalaikunda was also the headquarters of the [[58th Bombardment Wing]], which arrived in late April.		When the [[XX Bomber Command]] arrived at Kalaikunda in late March 1944, the conditions at the base were poor, and the runways were still in the process of being lengthened when the first B-29s arrived. Along with Command Headquarters, Kalaikunda was also the headquarters of the [[58th Bombardment Wing]], which arrived in late April.

	The operational B-29 group assigned to Kalaikunda was the [[468th Bombardment Group]], with the 512th, 792d, 793d, 749th and 795th Bombardment Squadrons.		The operational B-29 group assigned to Kalaikunda was the [[468th Bombardment Group]], with the 512th, 792d, 793d, 749th and 795th Bombardment Squadrons.
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	From June 1944 until May 1945, operating at maximum range, the 468th conducted aerial reconnaissance and bombardment operations from India and China against Japanese targets in Japan, [[Manchuria]], China, [[Taiwan]], [[Burma]], the [[Malay Peninsula]], [[Singapore]] and [[Sumatra]]. Sixteen-hour combat missions were common; the longest 21. Weather, terrain and the enemy were equally unforgiving. The B-29 was still being "invented" and its operational tactics had to be proved while the airplane was being de-bugged in the face of the enemy.		From June 1944 until May 1945, operating at maximum range, the 468th conducted aerial reconnaissance and bombardment operations from India and China against Japanese targets in Japan, [[Manchuria]], China, [[Taiwan]], [[Burma]], the [[Malay Peninsula]], [[Singapore]] and [[Sumatra]]. Sixteen-hour combat missions were common; the longest 21. Weather, terrain and the enemy were equally unforgiving. The B-29 was still being "invented" and its operational tactics had to be proved while the airplane was being de-bugged in the face of the enemy.

	In July 1944, U. S. Marines invaded the [[Mariana Islands]] and as soon as [[Tinian International Airport\|West Field]], [[Tinian]], was readied in May 1945, the group flew to West Field and continued the Air Offensive against Japan.		In July 1944, U. S. Marines invaded the [[Mariana Islands]] and as soon as [[Tinian International Airport\|West Field]], [[Tinian]], was readied in May 1945, the group flew to West Field and continued the Air Offensive against Japan.

	With the departure of the B-29s, the [[Tenth Air Force]] [[2d Air Commando Group]] used the airfield. Flying [[North American O-47]]s, [[P-51 Mustang]]s, [[C-47 Skytrain]]s and [[L-5 Sentinel]] aircraft, the commando unit dropped supplies to Allied troops who were fighting the Japanese in the Chindwin Valley in Burma; moved Chinese troops from Burma to China; transported men, food, ammunition, and construction equipment to Burma; dropped Gurka paratroops during the assault on Rangoon; provided fighter support for Allied forces crossing the Irrawaddy River in February 1945; struck enemy airfields and transportation facilities; escorted bombers to targets in the vicinity of Rangoon; bombed targets in Thailand; and flew reconnaissance missions.		With the departure of the B-29s, the [[Tenth Air Force]] [[2d Air Commando Group]] used the airfield. Flying [[North American O-47]]s, [[P-51 Mustang]]s, [[C-47 Skytrain]]s and [[L-5 Sentinel]] aircraft, the commando unit dropped supplies to Allied troops who were fighting the Japanese in the Chindwin Valley in Burma; moved Chinese troops from Burma to China; transported men, food, ammunition, and construction equipment to Burma; dropped Gurka paratroops during the assault on Rangoon; provided fighter support for Allied forces crossing the Irrawaddy River in February 1945; struck enemy airfields and transportation facilities; escorted bombers to targets in the vicinity of Rangoon; bombed targets in Thailand; and flew reconnaissance missions.
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	==Current Status==		==Current Status==

	The ~~air base~~ at Kalaikunda will play an extremely crucial role in the country's defences. Aircraft based here can assist with air defence over the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Bay of Bengal. [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]] in the A&N Islands will be in charge of the squadrons of [[Sukhoi Su-30]]MKIs and other advanced aircraft based at Kalaikunda for this purpose. This decision was taken when plans for basing Sukhois in the Andamans got scuttled after the 2004 tsunami in which the IAF lost assets. "Till now, Kalaikunda — while performing several other duties — has been a bridge with the Andamans. The role of the base will grow and aircraft based here will play a vital role in patrolling the skies over the Andamans and the Bay of Bengal. Kalaikunda will play several roles that include air defence, training and building better co-operation in the region for a possible [[NATO]]-like alliance with India playing the pivotal role," an official said.<ref name="toi_report">{{cite news\|title=Kalaikunda fighters in charge of Andaman and Nicobar Islands defences \| newspaper=The Times of India \|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kalaikunda-fighters-in-charge-of-Andaman-and-Nicobar-Islands-defences/articleshow/10214082.cms \| date=3 October 2011 \| first=Jayanta \| last=Gupta \| access-date=27 October ~~2018~~}}</ref>		The airbase at Kalaikunda will play an extremely crucial role in the country's defences. Aircraft based here can assist with air defence over the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Bay of Bengal. [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]] in the A&N Islands will be in charge of the squadrons of [[Sukhoi Su-30]]MKIs and other advanced aircraft based at Kalaikunda for this purpose. This decision was taken when plans for basing Sukhois in the Andamans got scuttled after the 2004 tsunami in which the IAF lost assets. "Till now, Kalaikunda — while performing several other duties — has been a bridge with the Andamans. The role of the base will grow and aircraft based here will play a vital role in patrolling the skies over the Andamans and the Bay of Bengal. Kalaikunda will play several roles that include air defence, training and building better co-operation in the region for a possible [[NATO]]-like alliance with India playing the pivotal role," an official said.<ref name="toi_report">{{cite news\|title=Kalaikunda fighters in charge of Andaman and Nicobar Islands defences \| newspaper=The Times of India \|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kalaikunda-fighters-in-charge-of-Andaman-and-Nicobar-Islands-defences/articleshow/10214082.cms \| date=3 October 2011 \| first=Jayanta \| last=Gupta \| access-date=27 October 2022}}</ref>

	The installation has grown steadily in importance over the years. "A large area falls within the responsibility of this base. There are several bases in the northeast but along the eastern coast, the closest one is in Chennai. It is our job to handle the defences along the coast and the Bay of Bengal region. We play host to several foreign air forces interested in joint exercises with the IAF," the official added.<ref name="toi_report"/>		The installation has grown steadily in importance over the years. "A large area falls within the responsibility of this base. There are several bases in the northeast but along the eastern coast, the closest one is in Chennai. It is our job to handle the defences along the coast and the Bay of Bengal region. We play host to several foreign air forces interested in joint exercises with the IAF," the official added.<ref name="toi_report"/>

	"This is a very compact base built in classical American style.. [t]oday, we have a radar station at Salua and Dudhkundi has been converted into an air-to-ground firing range. Over the years, Kalaikunda has developed into a major location for international air exercises. The base is close to Bay of Bengal where air-to-air firing can take place," says Air Commodore R Radhish, AOC, Air Force Station, Kalaikunda.<ref name="toi_report"/>		"This is a very compact base built in classical American style.. [t]oday, we have a radar station at Salua and Dudhkundi has been converted into an air-to-ground firing range. Over the years, Kalaikunda has developed into a major location for international air exercises. The base is close to the Bay of Bengal where air-to-air firing can take place," says Air Commodore R Radhish, AOC, Air Force Station, Kalaikunda.<ref name="toi_report"/>

	But Kalaikunda goes well beyond an exercise hub. Apart from the MiG-27 ground attack aircraft and MiG-21 Fn fighters of the OCU, squadrons of Su-30 MKIs and other advanced varieties from the IAF's fleet call on Kalaikunda on a regular basis. A squadron of Su-30 MKIs is now at the base.<ref name="toi_report"/>		But Kalaikunda goes well beyond an exercise hub. Apart from the MiG-27 ground-attack aircraft and MiG-21 Fn fighters of the OCU, squadrons of Su-30 MKIs and other advanced varieties from the IAF's fleet call on Kalaikunda on a regular basis. A squadron of Su-30 MKIs is now at the base.<ref name="toi_report"/>

	On 9 October 2007 Singapore signed an agreement with India to base the aircraft and personnel of the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] for training at the airbase for a period of five years.<ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-singapore-leases-iaf-base-for-5-yrs-1126618 Singapore ‘leases’ IAF base for 5 yrs] DNA India 10 October 2007</ref> This agreement was renewed in 2012 and in 2017 both for 5 year periods.<ref>[http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/rsaf-to-train-with-indian-air-force-for-another-five-years-under-renewed-bilateral-pact RSAF to train with Indian Air Force for another 5 years, under renewed bilateral pact] ~~Strait~~ Times 19 January 2017</ref>		On 9 October 2007 Singapore signed an agreement with India to base the aircraft and personnel of the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] for training at the airbase for a period of five years.<ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-singapore-leases-iaf-base-for-5-yrs-1126618 Singapore ‘leases’ IAF base for 5 yrs] DNA India 10 October 2007</ref> This agreement was renewed in 2012 and in 2017 both for 5 year periods.<ref>[http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/rsaf-to-train-with-indian-air-force-for-another-five-years-under-renewed-bilateral-pact RSAF to train with Indian Air Force for another 5 years, under renewed bilateral pact] Straits Times 19 January 2017</ref>

	Now Indian Air Force ~~agreeing~~ to allow civil aircraft to use the runway at its existing fighter base. According to IAF sources, plans have moved ahead and the civilian terminal might soon start serving not only Bengal, but also Jharkhand and Orissa.		Now Indian Air Force agreed to allow civil aircraft to use the runway at its existing fighter base. According to IAF sources, plans have moved ahead and the civilian terminal might soon start serving not only Bengal, but also Jharkhand and Orissa.
	The state government has already engaged an agency that is in touch with us. We have no problems if civilian aircraft use our runway and then move to a separate terminal to the south of the existing military facility. All that needs to be built is a high-speed corridor from the runway to a civilian terminal for which land is available. This corridor will pass under NH6 (Mumbai Road) and the railway tracks in the Kharagpur-Tata section of South Eastern Railway<ref name="toi_report"/>		The state government has already engaged an agency that is in touch with us. We have no problems if civilian aircraft use our runway and then move to a separate terminal to the south of the existing military facility. All that needs to be built is a high-speed corridor from the runway to a civilian terminal for which land is available. This corridor will pass under NH6 (Mumbai Road) and the railway tracks in the Kharagpur-Tata section of South Eastern Railway<ref name="toi_report"/>

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	[[Category:Kharagpur]]		[[Category:Kharagpur]]
	[[Category:Transport in Kharagpur]]		[[Category:Transport in Kharagpur]]
			[[Category:Airports in West Bengal]]

>BrownHairedGirl: add {{Indian Air Force}}, which links to this page

2021-05-03T00:40:29Z

add {{Indian Air Force}}, which links to this page

New page

{{Short description|Indian Air Force Station in West Bengal, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox airport
| name = Kalaikunda Air Force Station
| ensign = [[File:Roundel of India.svg|80px]]
| image = [[File:MiG-27 from No.18 Squad, Kalaikunda.jpg|300px|MiG-27 from No.18 Squad, Kalaikunda]]
| caption = Indian Air Force MIG-27
| IATA =
| ICAO = VEDX
| type = Military
| owner =
| operator = [[Eastern Air Command (India)|Eastern Air Command]]<br /> [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]]
| city-served = [[Indian Air Force]]
| location = [[Kharagpur]], [[West Bengal]], [[India]]
| elevation-f = 200
| elevation-m = 61
| coordinates = {{Coord|22|20|21.90|N|087|12|52.37|E|type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| website =
| metric-elev =
| metric-rwy =
| r1-number = 17/35
| r1-length-f = 9,000
| r1-length-m = 2,743
| r1-surface =[[Concrete]] / [[Asphalt]]
| stat-year =
| stat1-header =
| stat1-data =
| stat2-header =
| stat2-data =
| footnotes =
|pushpin_map= India West Bengal#India
| pushpin_relief =
|pushpin_label=Kalaikunda Air Force Station
|pushpin_map_caption=Location of Kalaikunda Air Force Station, India
}}
[[File:B-29 "The Craig Comet" of the 794th Bomb Squadron 468th Bomb Group.jpg|thumb|Photo of "The Craig Comet" Bell-Atlanta B-29-15-BA Superfortress 42-63445 of the 794th Bomb Squadron 468th Bomb Wing, Kalaikunda AB, India]]
'''Kalaikunda Air Force Station'''
{{airport codes||VEDX}} is an [[Indian Air Force]] Base near [[Kharagpur]], located in the [[West Midnapur]] district of the state of [[West Bengal]]. It was the home of [[No. 18 Squadron IAF]], the Flying Bullets. The squadron flew the Indian license-built [[Mikoyan MiG-27]]ML till its decommissioning in April 2016.<ref name=TOI>{{cite web|title=No. 18 Squadron numberplated|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/kolkata/MiG-27-squadron-number-plated-at-Hasimara/articleshow/51846931.cms|publisher=Times Of India|access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> A squadron of [[Su-30 MKI]]s is now at the base.<ref name="toi_report"/>

==History==
Air Force Station Kalaikunda was built by the [[United Kingdom|British]] for the [[Royal Indian Air Force]] during [[World War II]]. It was used to conduct raids against advancing Japanese in [[Burma]] and also for operations to transport aid to parts of [[China]].

It was originally designed for [[B-24 Liberator]] use. In 1943, it was designated as a [[B-29 Superfortress]] Base for the planned deployment of the [[United States Army Air Forces]] [[XX Bomber Command]] to India. Advance Army Air Forces echelons arrived in India in December 1943 to organize the upgrading of the airfield and thousands of Indians labored to upgrade the facility for Superfortress operations. It was one of four B-29 bases established by the Americans in India.

When the [[XX Bomber Command]] arrived at Kalaikunda in late March 1944, the conditions at the base were poor, and the runways were still in the process of being lengthened when the first B-29s arrived. Along with Command Headquarters, Kalaikunda was also the headquarters of the [[58th Bombardment Wing]], which arrived in late April.

The operational B-29 group assigned to Kalaikunda was the [[468th Bombardment Group]], with the 512th, 792d, 793d, 749th and 795th Bombardment Squadrons.

Initially, the 468th hauled bombs, fuel, ammunition and spare parts 1,200 miles to its forward staging base at [[Pengshan Airfield]] (A-7), [[List of administrative divisions of Sichuan|Pengshan]], [[Sichuan|Szechwan Province]], [[China]]. Six round trips were necessary to deliver enough fuel for one airplane to mount a combat mission from China — an impractical logistics concept for an aerial campaign, particularly with an airplane plagued with an unreliable engine.

On 5 June 1944, the 468th flew its first operational mission from Kalaikunda against railroad yards at [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]]. Ten days later, flying from field A-7, the 468th bombed the Imperial Iron & Steel Works, [[Yawata]], [[Japan]] - the opening of the B-29 phase of the Air Offensive against Japan. Within a year, it participated in eight campaigns and earned three [[Distinguished Unit Citation]]s.

From June 1944 until May 1945, operating at maximum range, the 468th conducted aerial reconnaissance and bombardment operations from India and China against Japanese targets in Japan, [[Manchuria]], China, [[Taiwan]], [[Burma]], the [[Malay Peninsula]], [[Singapore]] and [[Sumatra]]. Sixteen-hour combat missions were common; the longest 21. Weather, terrain and the enemy were equally unforgiving. The B-29 was still being "invented" and its operational tactics had to be proved while the airplane was being de-bugged in the face of the enemy.

In July 1944, U. S. Marines invaded the [[Mariana Islands]] and as soon as [[Tinian International Airport|West Field]], [[Tinian]], was readied in May 1945, the group flew to West Field and continued the Air Offensive against Japan.

With the departure of the B-29s, the [[Tenth Air Force]] [[2d Air Commando Group]] used the airfield. Flying [[North American O-47]]s, [[P-51 Mustang]]s, [[C-47 Skytrain]]s and [[L-5 Sentinel]] aircraft, the commando unit dropped supplies to Allied troops who were fighting the Japanese in the Chindwin Valley in Burma; moved Chinese troops from Burma to China; transported men, food, ammunition, and construction equipment to Burma; dropped Gurka paratroops during the assault on Rangoon; provided fighter support for Allied forces crossing the Irrawaddy River in February 1945; struck enemy airfields and transportation facilities; escorted bombers to targets in the vicinity of Rangoon; bombed targets in Thailand; and flew reconnaissance missions.

After May 1945 the fighter squadrons were in training; in June the group's C-47's were sent to Ledo to move road-building equipment; during June— July most of its L-5's were turned over to [[Fourteenth Air Force]] in [[China]].

==Current Status==

The air base at Kalaikunda will play an extremely crucial role in the country's defences. Aircraft based here can assist with air defence over the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Bay of Bengal. [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]] in the A&N Islands will be in charge of the squadrons of [[Sukhoi Su-30]]MKIs and other advanced aircraft based at Kalaikunda for this purpose. This decision was taken when plans for basing Sukhois in the Andamans got scuttled after the 2004 tsunami in which the IAF lost assets. "Till now, Kalaikunda — while performing several other duties — has been a bridge with the Andamans. The role of the base will grow and aircraft based here will play a vital role in patrolling the skies over the Andamans and the Bay of Bengal. Kalaikunda will play several roles that include air defence, training and building better co-operation in the region for a possible [[NATO]]-like alliance with India playing the pivotal role," an official said.<ref name="toi_report">{{cite news|title=Kalaikunda fighters in charge of Andaman and Nicobar Islands defences | newspaper=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kalaikunda-fighters-in-charge-of-Andaman-and-Nicobar-Islands-defences/articleshow/10214082.cms | date=3 October 2011 | first=Jayanta | last=Gupta | access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref>

The installation has grown steadily in importance over the years. "A large area falls within the responsibility of this base. There are several bases in the northeast but along the eastern coast, the closest one is in Chennai. It is our job to handle the defences along the coast and the Bay of Bengal region. We play host to several foreign air forces interested in joint exercises with the IAF," the official added.<ref name="toi_report"/>

"This is a very compact base built in classical American style.. [t]oday, we have a radar station at Salua and Dudhkundi has been converted into an air-to-ground firing range. Over the years, Kalaikunda has developed into a major location for international air exercises. The base is close to Bay of Bengal where air-to-air firing can take place," says Air Commodore R Radhish, AOC, Air Force Station, Kalaikunda.<ref name="toi_report"/>

But Kalaikunda goes well beyond an exercise hub. Apart from the MiG-27 ground attack aircraft and MiG-21 Fn fighters of the OCU, squadrons of Su-30 MKIs and other advanced varieties from the IAF's fleet call on Kalaikunda on a regular basis. A squadron of Su-30 MKIs is now at the base.<ref name="toi_report"/>

On 9 October 2007 Singapore signed an agreement with India to base the aircraft and personnel of the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] for training at the airbase for a period of five years.<ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-singapore-leases-iaf-base-for-5-yrs-1126618 Singapore ‘leases’ IAF base for 5 yrs] DNA India 10 October 2007</ref> This agreement was renewed in 2012 and in 2017 both for 5 year periods.<ref>[http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/rsaf-to-train-with-indian-air-force-for-another-five-years-under-renewed-bilateral-pact RSAF to train with Indian Air Force for another 5 years, under renewed bilateral pact] Strait Times 19 January 2017</ref>

Now Indian Air Force agreeing to allow civil aircraft to use the runway at its existing fighter base. According to IAF sources, plans have moved ahead and the civilian terminal might soon start serving not only Bengal, but also Jharkhand and Orissa.
The state government has already engaged an agency that is in touch with us. We have no problems if civilian aircraft use our runway and then move to a separate terminal to the south of the existing military facility. All that needs to be built is a high-speed corridor from the runway to a civilian terminal for which land is available. This corridor will pass under NH6 (Mumbai Road) and the railway tracks in the Kharagpur-Tata section of South Eastern Railway<ref name="toi_report"/>

The Civilian Terminal will be used by [[Alliance Air (India)|Alliance Air]] for daily flights for [[Vishakapatnam]] and [[Bhubaneshwar]] from 1 April 2019 under scheme of UDAN III released by the government.

==Base facilities==
Inside the base, there is a market, bank, film auditorium, hospital and a school, namely, Air Force School, Kalaikunda.

==See also==
{{Portal|World War II}}
* [[Operation Matterhorn]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}

==Further reading==
* Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. {{ISBN|0-89201-092-4}}.
* Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947–1977. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. {{ISBN|0-912799-12-9}}.

{{Airports in India}}

{{USAAF 10th Air Force World War II}}
{{USAAF 20th Air Force World War II}}
{{Paschim Medinipur topics}}
{{Indian Air Force}}

[[Category:Airfields of the United States Army Air Forces in British India]]
[[Category:Indian Air Force bases]]
[[Category:Kharagpur]]
[[Category:Transport in Kharagpur]]