The Indian Army is taking a significant step to enhance its operational capabilities in the challenging high-altitude regions of its northern borders. Faced with aging and increasingly unreliable Chetak and Cheetah helicopters, the Army will be leasing civilian helicopters to fulfill crucial roles such as logistics supply, troop transport, and casualty evacuation.
This move comes as the Army seeks to maintain operational efficiency while awaiting the full deployment of its indigenous Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), which are slated to replace the aging Chetak and Cheetah fleets. The leased helicopters will be deployed in sectors across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including Drass, Kargil, Batalik, Doda, Kishtwar, and Gurez.
While the primary deployment period will be during the challenging winter months from November to April, the helicopters may also be utilized during other times as needed. This strategic decision addresses the limitations posed by the aging Chetak and Cheetah helicopters, which have faced increasing serviceability issues due to their extended years of service. Many of these helicopters are nearing the end of their total technical life.
"Apart from serviceability issues of the Cheetah fleet, large helicopters cannot land in several high-altitude forward locations due to the lack of large helipads," an Army official explained. "These smaller choppers will be able to perform a variety of roles, particularly in the transportation of essential supplies to forward locations."
The leasing of civilian helicopters will also allow the Army to conduct more extensive maintenance on its existing fleet, ensuring their continued operational readiness. This initiative aligns with the broader trend within the Indian Armed Forces to increasingly rely on outsourcing for certain platforms and equipment, reducing the need for significant capital expenditure.
The Indian Air Force also plays a crucial role in supporting the Army's high-altitude operations, utilizing its Chinook and smaller helicopters for various tasks. The addition of leased civilian helicopters will further bolster the Army's capabilities, easing the strain on existing resources and enabling quicker response times for critical needs like casualty evacuation and emergency leave.
This procurement falls under the Delegation of Financial Powers to Defence Services (DFPDS-2021), which grants increased financial autonomy to the armed forces for revenue procurements. The DFPDS also includes provisions for the short-term leasing of aircraft and other equipment for operational emergencies.
The Army has invited bids from potential civilian helicopter service providers, requiring them to provide fully functional helicopters, experienced pilots and crew, and maintenance personnel capable of operating in high-altitude environments.
The selected service provider will be responsible for ensuring the availability of the required number of helicopters at each designated location, capable of transporting cargo, troops, and conducting casualty evacuations as needed.
This initiative marks a significant step in modernizing the Indian Army's operational capabilities in challenging high-altitude environments, ensuring continued operational readiness and effectiveness while paving the way for the introduction of the new generation of indigenous light utility helicopters.
