Air Marshal P.K. Barbora (Retd), a respected figure known for his decisive actions, including the revival of the Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) airstrip in 2008 after over four decades, has passed away at the Army Research and Referral Hospital due to illness. As the head of the Western Air Command (WAC), he played a pivotal role in reactivating DBO, one of the world’s highest airfields, near the Line of Actual Control with China. Air Marshal Barbora, born in Shillong, was the first officer from the Northeast to attain such a high rank in the armed forces, leaving behind a legacy of dynamic leadership and teamwork.
During his tenure as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the WAC, he promoted joint exercises with various Army commands, strengthening coordination between the services.
His contributions to the armed forces, including his role in enhancing night operations and achieving high aircraft utilization rates, are remembered with respect. Air Marshal Barbora’s career also included participation in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
