During World War II, Chabua Air Force Station was constructed on the outskirts of the town.

Chabua airfield was one of the largest bases used by the USAAF Air Transport Command to ferry supplies and personnel across The Hump to China in World War II.

The country's eastern sector bordering China got fortified on 8 March 2011, with the induction of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft at the Chabua Air Force Station.

Chabua is the second airbase in the northeast after Tezpur to house the Sukhois, capable of striking targets inside China with a cruising speed range of 3,200 km, which can be more than doubled with mid-air refuelling by IL-78 aircraft.

Chabua has many educational institutions: University: Colleges: Vocational Training: Schools: Health & Medical services