The IAF will launch day and night helicopter sorties from next month to provide logistical support to anti-Naxal operations from a new helicopter base of MI-17V5s at Nagpur. At present, six helicopters deployed for operations are controlled from Gorakhpur. The MI-17V5 helicopters have night flying capabilities. Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne said on Wednesday that the new helicopter base at Nagpur will reduce the response time for any emergency.
The Nagpur IAF base will cater to all the logistical requirement of central and local police forces in Jagdalpur, which is the hotbed of Maoist violence. At present, IAF is operating six helicopters, two each from Ranchi, Raipur and Jagdalpur, and the Gorakhpur base controls the flight operations.
The Nagpur base will now control Jagdalpur flights by deploying two new helicopters, Browne said adding the operations will be conducted 24X7. He said the decision to shift operation control to Nagpur was taken two months back. The helicopters are mainly used for carrying troops to battle zone and evacuating casualties.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) function, IAF chief said there was need to deploy some new systems in the Maoist-hit areas to provide better surveillance capabilities to the paramilitary there. He, however, refused to divulge details about the new systems.
As regards ongoing flying operations, he said: “We are going to raise a unit of our latest MI-17V5 helicopters in Nagpur by next month which will provide full support to anti-Naxal operations in Jagdalpur.”
Meanwhile, Defence Minister AK Antony reiterated that armed forces would not be deployed in anti-Naxal operations in combat role. Asked if the Defence Ministry will provide help to paramilitary personnel in terms of training, the Defence Minister said, “Regarding training of paramilitary forces, whatever support is required, will be extended.”
As regards inductions, the IAF chief said 3 heavy strategic lift aircraft, C-17s, will join service in June second week. The IAF is buying ten C-17s from the US. IAF chief also said contract negotiations are on for 126 Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) with Rafale of France. Moreover, talks were in final stages for procuring 22 Apache helicopters, 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and additional six C-130J Super Hercules special operations aircraft from the US and six mid-air refuelling aircraft from Airbus Military of Europe this year.