Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. After deciding to acquire attack helicopter Apache from the USA to increase military fire power, the Indian Army will also strengthen its multi-role helicopter fleet. Keeping in mind the changing needs of the times and new challenges, the Indian Army is busy upgrading itself and as part of this, it has now decided to remove the multi-purpose helicopters Cheetah and Chetak, which have been the main pillars of its strategic capability for the last five-six decades. Now they will be out in a phased manner and replaced with Apache and Dhruv helicopters. Dhruv helicopters are being manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and changes are also being made keeping in mind the needs of the army. Whereas soon 6 Apache helicopters are also going to join the army. It is believed that these new helicopters are the best helicopters till date and their strength can be gauged from the fact that they can fly better even in inaccessible areas. Apache helicopters are among the most high-tech combat helicopters in the world, which can operate in any weather. They are being manufactured by American Aerospace Boeing.

Army has drawn up a plan to retire all its old helicopters

Under the new upgradation plan, the Army has drawn up a plan to retire all its old helicopters and add about 250 new helicopters to its fleet within the next 10 to 12 years. The biggest contribution to the new modern helicopter fleet will be the indigenously built multi-role light utility helicopter Dhruv. According to defense experts, in view of the new challenges and threats being faced on the eastern and western borders of the country, the Army no longer wants to limit its air wing only to the supporting role of strategic operations, but wants to expand its role further. Therefore, it has been decided to upgrade it with a helicopter equipped with new technology. Auto pilot has been fitted in the Dhruv helicopters being manufactured by HAL and the purpose behind this is that these helicopters can lift maximum load. Along with this, one can also fly at higher altitudes.

Cheetah and Chetak have a special relationship with the army

Accidents in the last several years are being said to be the reason behind the removal of Cheetah and Chetak from the fleet. However, the Army believes that there has been no reduction in their capability and they will continue to work till the induction of Dhruv helicopters. Cheetah and Chetak helicopters have a special relationship with the Indian Army. In difficult areas like Leh and Siachen, they work in transporting supplies and soldiers from one place to another. But now he will be retired. However, this work will not be done so quickly and it will take 10 to 12 years.

Why are Cheetah and Chetak being bid farewell?

• Out of 190 helicopters, 130 are about 30 to 50 years old. Of these, 25 are always maintained.
• This is necessary in view of the new challenges and threats being faced on the eastern and western borders of the country.
• The new helicopters (LUH) are light and will be used for ration, logistics and rescue in high altitude areas.
• Glass cockpit in LUH helicopter as reconnaissance, surveillance equipment and light transport helicopter
• This helicopter is capable of flying at a speed of 220 km per hour with 400 kg payload.

Indigenous helicopter Prachanda is also special

Indian Army is also going to buy 90 light combat helicopters Prachanda. Prachanda helicopters are capable of offensive operations in high altitude areas like Siachen Glacier and eastern Ladakh. At present, the Army has 15 Prachanda helicopters and the Air Force has 10 indigenous attack helicopters. Prachanda is the first light combat helicopter to be manufactured indigenously. It is equipped with 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket system and air-to-air missiles. It is considered to be the only combat helicopter in its weight category in the world, which can land and take-off with considerable weight at an altitude of 5,000 meters or 16,400 feet.