Finally the sun rises with pride, ‘Chinook’ inducted in IAF boosting national security

Chandigarh, March 25: Today’s morning was nothing but the essence of pride as Indian Air Force inducted one more shield ‘Chinook’ to its security wings. Chinook took its first breath officially in Indian air by an induction ceremony at the Air Force Station, Chandigarh. The ceremony was attended by the Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, Chief of Air Staff, senior officers from the Indian Air Force and officials from Boeing.

 

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa announced the induction at a ceremony and said the helicopters are national assets. In his address, BS Dhanoa said, "India faces multiple security challenges and that a vertical lift capability across a diversified terrain is required."

Dhanoa added that Chinook has been procured with India specific enhancements and can carry out military operations even at night.

BS Dhanoa also said that the induction of Chinook will be a game changer, the same way Rafale is going to be in the fighter fleet and informed that another unit of heavy-lift choppers will be created for the East in Dinjan (Assam).

In the ceremony, the religious leaders of Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and Christianity performed the prayers for the long run career of Chinook.

 

Air Force on its Instagram posted a video showcasing Chinook’s features which can carry around 10 tonnes of load. The CH-47F Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter that will provide the Indian Air Force with unmatched strategic airlift capability across the full spectrum of combat and humanitarian missions. The Chinook has exceptional ability to deliver heavy payloads to high altitudes and is eminently suitable for operations in the high Himalayas. The Chinook helicopters will greatly enhance India’s capabilities across a range of military and humanitarian missions.

Chinooks have a unique twin-engine, tandem rotor design which has become one of the most visibly recognised symbols of the American armed forces.

India had signed a 3 billion dollar deal with the US in September 2015 for the purchase of 15 Chinook heavy lift and 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.

 

These helicopters would be critical in transporting troops, artillery, equipment and can also be instrumental in disaster relief missions.

As per a statement by Boeing, these helicopters would provide Indian Armed Forces with unmatched strategic airlift capability during combat and humanitarian missions. A total of 15 Chinook helicopters and 22 Apache helicopters were ordered by the IAF in September 2015. The deal is said to be worth around $3 billion.

This mega defence deal also has a Make-In-India touch to it as Boeing has included 160 Indian firms in its supply chain including a joint venture for manufacturing Apache’s fuselage.