IAF’s Chinooks to be deployed near Pak border

New Delhi: Amidst increased military tension between India and Pakistan, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday will induct the heavy-lift Chinook helicopters which can transport artillery guns in high altitudes and troops for action.

Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa  will induct the first unit of four Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in Chandigarh where these helicopters have been deployed.

Chinook CH-47F (I) is an advanced multi-mission helicopter that will provide Indian Air Force with unmatched strategic airlift capability across the full spectrum of combat and humanitarian missions.

Chinooks can deliver heavy payloads to high altitudes and is eminently suited for operations in the high Himalayas.

It is being inducted by the IAF when there is a war-like situation currently at the LoC and the International Border with Pakistan.

Pakistan has mobilised some of its units close to the border after Indian Air Force struck terrorists camp at Balakot. This has resulted in counter-mobilisation by Indian Army. There is heavy shelling and cross border firing going on at the border from both  sides. Three Indian army soldiers have been killed since last week in unprovoked firing from  Pakistan.

The induction of Chinook helicopters will boost India’s capabilities for  quick mobilisation of troops in higher reaches along the Line of Control and the China frontier along with artillery guns. What will help is that Chinook can land on small helipads and narrow valleys.

The helicopter is used by Armed Forces in 19 countries. Currently, India has been using the Soviet-origin Mi-26s for the missions. India has paid close to $ 1.5 billion for 15 of these helicopter. Chinook is one of the two helicopters other than the Apache attack choppers for which India had signed deals in 2015-16. The supplies of Apaches will also start by September this year when they start arriving at the Pathankot airbase.

Chinook helicopters have been used by US Army service since 1962 and was also deployed in Vietnam. The CH-47F Chinook helicopter has been certified combat-ready by the US Army and fielded to the first operational unit in July 2007. A central element in the Gulf War, they continue to be the standard for the US Army in the global campaign against terrorism. Since its introduction 1,179 Chinooks have been built.

It is capable of handling useful loads up to 24,000 lbs (10, 886 kg) and a maximum gross weight of up to 50,000 lbs (22,668 kg). It can reach a maximum speed of 315 km per hour.

Its tandem rotor configuration also provides exceptional handling qualities that enable the CH-47 to operate in climatic, altitude and crosswind conditions that typically keep other helicopters from flying.