BIRENDRANAGAR: Nepal Army (NA) has established an airbase in Karnali State. It is the first airbase of the national army outside Kathmandu Valley.

NA established the airbase in Surkhet targeting Far West and Karnali states.

During a formal program on Tuesday, Nepal Army Chief Purna Chandra Thapa inaugurated the airbase. The airbase was established to extend the air service based in Kathmandu throughout the country.

NA Directorate of Public Relations said that two choppers including MI-17 can be currently parked at the airbase, adding that the air service will be operated from the airbase in Far West and Karnali states and some districts of State-5 for rescue and relief operations during disasters.