<h2 class="blog-hed2 pb-lg-4 pb-3 text-lg-center">Military and government use</h2>
<p class="blog-para">The Algerian Air Force is the primary military user of the airport with several units maintaining a presence at the field. In the mid-2000s it was extensively upgraded to serve additionally as a military base, with 10 hardened aircraft shelters, aprons, personnel accommodation and other facilities. The most potent military aircraft based at Tamanrasset are the Sukhoi Su-30MK multi-role fighter aircraft operated by the 123rd Air Defense Squadron which provide fighter coverage for much of southern Algeria from the base. A reconnaissance unit equipped with Beechcraft 1900HISAR and 350ER aircraft specially equipped with surveillance equipment operates from the base along with helicopter detachments operating Mil Mi-171Sh,</p>
<p class="blog-para">Mi-24 Mk.III and Mi-26T2 helicopters to support the ground forces in the region.The airport was an alternative landing site for NASA's Space Shuttle,[citation needed] and has been used for American military operations.</p>
<p><img class="img-fluid p-lg-0 rounded w-100" title="Military and government use" src="../../main/img/airport/tam/56.webp" alt="Military and government use"></p>