The Indian armed forces operates one of the largest helicopter fleets in South Asia and the Indian military presently operate 38 Helicopter Units HUs) comprising of Russian built Mi-17, Mi-17 1V, Mi-17 V5 helicopters, which are the backbone of medium lift combat capability of IAE in addition to HAL licence-built Cheetah and Chetak helicopters and the Dhruv ALH MK-I, ALH MK-II, ALH MK-IV), along with American-made AH-64E Apaches and Boeing CH-47F Chinooks as the other workhorses. The IAF is presently short of just one HU to meet its sanctioned strength of 39. Helicopters are generally more maintenance intensive and have a Total Technical Life TTL), that ranges between 5,000 hours to 12,000 hours depending on their age and vintage.
The IAF due to budgetary constraints, ends up operating most of its platforms far beyond the lifespan envisaged by the Original Equipment Manufacturer OEM). Case in point is the obsolescent Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, that continue to fly, when they should have been retired by now. The IAF finally ended up retiring its MI-8 Pratap’ helicopters in December 2017, after inducting 107 MI-8s between 1971 1988. The MI-8 was inducted in ten operational helicopter units and it operated in several major IAF operations including Operation Meghdoot in the Siachen Glacier and Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka.
Current strength in numbers
Over the next few years, the IAF will induct three new helicopter types: 65 units of HAL Light Combat Helicopter LCH), 65 units of Kamov Ka-226T Sergei’ and 61 units of HAL Light Utility Helicopter LUH), for a total of 191 helicopters. Recently, India became the 14th nation to induct the Apache and the 19th nation to select the Chinook for its air force, for which orders were placed way back in September 2015.
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NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AMIT COWSHISH explains why the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is one of the biggest spenders, needs to watch out for the latest mediation rules.
NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
VIKSIT BHARAT FROM A DREAM TO REALITY
The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.