SOURCE: AFI
India’s efforts to strengthen air connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh, a strategically crucial border state, are gaining momentum. The Indian Army’s 3 Corps area is spearheading the initiative, with nine helipads already constructed and six more underway.
This expansion program aims to connect all seven valleys in the state with Chinook-specific helipads. These robust helipads, designed to accommodate the heavy-lift capabilities of the Chinook helicopters operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), will significantly enhance operational flexibility and responsiveness in the region.
Arunachal Pradesh, bordering China, holds immense strategic importance for India. Enhancing air connectivity within the state strengthens its defense preparedness by enabling faster troop deployment, logistical support, and operational flexibility in response to potential threats.
The Indian Air Force’s fleet of 15 Chinook helicopters plays a crucial role in this initiative. These powerful machines, with their impressive payload capacity of 10 tons and ability to transport troops or artillery pieces like the IFG, LFG, and M777 Howitzers, act as “force multipliers,” significantly enhancing the military’s operational reach and firepower mobility.
The ongoing construction of additional helipads and the strategic deployment of Chinook helicopters represent a substantial step forward in bolstering India’s defense capabilities in Arunachal Pradesh. This enhanced air connectivity network will undoubtedly prove instrumental in ensuring the state’s security and safeguarding its territorial integrity.