The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday formally inducted the first unit of four heavy-lift Chinook helicopters in Chandigarh. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa announced the induction at a ceremony and said the helicopters are national assets.
In his address, BS Dhanoa said, “India faces multiple security challenges and that a vertical lift capability across a diversified terrain is required.”
#Chinook : Induction – 25 Mar 19 –
IAF received its first CH-47F (I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopter on 10 Feb 19 at the Mundra port in Gujarat. On 25 Mar 19, it will be formally inducted into the Helicopter fleet of IAF at Chandigarh.
Photo Courtesy – Boeing India pic.twitter.com/hCfRzGmlmY— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 25, 2019
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- Dhanoa added that Chinook has been procured with India specific enhancements and can carry out military operations even at night.
- BS Dhanoa also said that the induction of Chinook will be a game changer, the same way Rafale is going to be in the fighter fleet and informed that another unit of heavy-lift choppers will be created for the East in Dinjan (Assam).
- IAF received its first CH-47F (I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopter on February 10, 2019 at the Mundra port in Gujarat.
- CH-47F (I) Chinook is said to provide Indian Air Force with unmatched strategic airlift capability, with an advanced multi-mission characteristic.
- The Boeing aircraft is said to have a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Aviation Architecture Cockpit and advanced cargo-handling capabilities that complement the aircraft’s mission performance and handling characteristics.