A debate has started within Nepal’s defence establishment to revamp its air assets after almost 40 per cent of its helicopters remained non-operational due to poor maintenance during the rescue and relief operations following the April 25 quake. “Yes, the air assets need to be strengthened. If that happens it would not only be easy for us but also for people, especially after the experience (after earthquake),” Brigadier General Jagdish Chandra Pokhrel, Department of Public Relations of Nepal Army said.
“We will convey to our political leadership about the impending issues (of the air assets),” he said. The limitation of its air assets came to the fore especially during carrying out rescue and relief operations in the quake hit nation. However, the respite came after countries like India, China and the US deployed their air assets.