SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to breathe new life into its fleet of Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopters after years of grounding. The once-mighty workhorses, essential for airlifting troops and equipment, are undergoing a comprehensive overhaul at the No. 3 Base Repair Depot (BRD) in Chandigarh, with crucial assistance from Russian engineers.
Earlier, these behemoths were to be sent to Russia for maintenance, a process marred by delays that led to their technical life expiring. To address this, the IAF opted for a domestic overhaul, leveraging the expertise of Russian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engineers on Indian soil. A meticulous process of dismantling, inspection, and replacement of worn-out components is underway, aiming to extend the helicopters’ operational life by another decade.
The first refurbished Mi-26 is expected to be ready for initial trials by mid-2025, with deliveries to the IAF anticipated by the end of the year or early 2026. Once fully operational, these revitalized helicopters will significantly bolster the IAF’s heavy-lift capabilities, proving invaluable for missions requiring the transportation of large payloads to remote and challenging terrains.
The return of the Mi-26 fleet is particularly significant given its absence during the 2020 standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, where its heavy-lift capacity would have been indispensable. The IAF’s decision to overhaul these aircraft domestically marks a crucial step towards self-reliance in aircraft maintenance and repair.
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