BackIAF inducts 4 Chinooks in boost to national security
Choppers can transport artillery guns and troops to forward and high-altitude areasIndia and the US signed a government-to-government deal in September 2015 for 15 Chinooks with an option of buying seven more platforms
PremiumNEW DELHI : The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday inducted the first four Chinook helicopters capable of transporting artillery guns and combat-ready troops to forward and high-altitude areas, especially along India’s borders with Pakistan and China.
The acquisition not only boosts India’s defence preparedness vis-a-vis Pakistan and China through the swift deployment of men and machines, but also places the India-US defence partnership on a firmer footing.
The first of the iconic machines, with their unmistakable twin tandem rotors, became part of the IAF’s 126 Helicopter Flight squadron at an official ceremony in Chandigarh presided over by IAF chief B.S. Dhanoa.
The helicopters are a “national asset" and a “game changer" for the IAF, Dhanoa said at the induction ceremony. Given its all-weather and day-and-night operation capabilities, the Chinooks would “redefine" the IAF’s heli-lift capacity, said the IAF chief.
“Our country faces a multitude of security challenges. We require vertical lift capability across a very diversified terrain—places from the sea level to high-altitude landing grounds. We have procured the Chinooks with India-specific enhancements to increase the flexibility of the platform across the entire spectrum of heavy-lift operations, including search and rescue and air ambulance roles," he said.
India and the US signed a government-to-government deal in September 2015 for 15 Chinooks with an option of buying seven more platforms. The Chinook is considered one of the most modern heavy-lift choppers in the world. It can carry goods and cargo of up to 10 tonnes, including men and machines, such as heavy machinery, artillery guns and even light armoured vehicles, to high altitudes.
“The CH-47F(I) Chinook will prove to be a significant force multiplier for the Indian Air Force," said Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India. “We are committed to working closely with the defence forces and government of India to deliver the right value and capabilities," he said.
The first Chinooks arrived in India from the US in a semi knocked down condition last month. The first Chinook airframe manufactured for the IAF was tested in the US in July 2018, followed by training of the pilots and engineers.
Manmohan Bahadur, a former assistant chief of air staff, said that the very fact that the Chinooks would be stationed at two bases, in Chandigarh near the border with Pakistan, and in Assam close to the India-China border, was in itself a statement about their role. India has unsettled borders and uneasy ties with both countries.
“This (Chinook) is required to ferry road building equipment to border areas, as well as carrying large-size weapons systems like artillery guns for the army," Bahadur said. “Once both squadrons are full strength, then one can expect rapid deployment of forces to border areas as well as the speedy development of infrastructure in the border areas."
The induction of the Chinook also gives a big boost to the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts of the IAF, Bahadur said. With C-17 Hercules capable of transporting Chinooks to any location requiring disaster relief, it extends India’s capacity to provide HADR coverage to countries beyond its immediate neighbourhood, Bahadur said.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
