Thanjavur Air Force Station, airport in India
Thanjavur Air Force Station is a military base located in the city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, southern India. The station operates two concrete runways, with one measuring approximately 3,500 meters in length, and houses Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets along with Chetak helicopters for search and rescue and disaster relief operations.
The station was built in 1940 during British rule and served as an important base for the Royal Indian Air Force during World War II. After India gained independence, control passed to the Southern Air Command in 1984, and the facility was officially reopened in May 2013 as a fully modernized military base following significant expansion and improvements.
The station is not open to regular visitors as it is an active military base with strict security protocols. Those visiting the area can observe aircraft activity from outside, while nearby attractions such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple and local markets are accessible within a few kilometers of the base.
The station played a crucial role in relief efforts during the 2008 Tamil Nadu floods when helicopters transported aid supplies to affected communities. This involvement demonstrates how the base serves humanitarian purposes beyond military operations and actively supports the local population during emergencies.
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