Strengthening India's presence over the Indian Ocean region, Defence Minister A K Antony today inaugurated the first fighter aircraft base in Thanjavur where the IAF is stationing its most lethal Su-30MKI combat aircraft.

"Thanjavur airbase is going to be another strategically important airbase of the Indian Air Force. By stationing our frontline fighter aircraft Sukhoi at Thanjavur, IAF can protect vast area of interests," Antony said after inaugurating the airbase. The establishment of the premier fighter base is important in the view of current geo-political scenario and threat perception in the peninsular region and in the Indian Ocean, the Defence Minister said.