ARMY HELICOPTERS
Helicopters to boost Indian defence
Bell, Cheetal, Lancer, Eurocopter, Dhruv may join Indian Army in North
BY A CORRESPONDENT
March 30, 2006
The Indian Army has turned yet again to helicopters to guard its
Northern flanks, and is planning to add several squadrons of light
helicopters which can operate in mountainous terrains in Ladakh and
Siachen in Northern India. Light helicopter gunships which can fly at
high altitudes are part of the agenda, which can be used against
Chinese and Pakistani forces attempting break-ins.
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India has fought wars with China and Pakistan after gaining
Independence from Britain in 1947. The sensitive border atmosphere
calls for increased vigilance from the Indian military.
The Indian Army may go for US Bell helicopters or European Eurocopters
in strengthening its aerial defences. It is also expected that
indigenously built Cheetals (remodelled Chetaks) and Lancer attack
helicopters may be fielded to guard the country's borders.
The Army may also go for Indian-developed Dhruv Advanced Light
Helicopters. The Army is believed to have shortlisted American Bell
Textron 407 and Eurocopter. In all probability, it will be a mix of
choppers of different varieties which will be hovering over the higher
altitudes around Siachen and Ladakh. The altitude trials for the two
foreign helicopters are believed to be completed.
Chetak and Cheetah, two backbone choppers of the helicopter division,
are expected to be phased out over a period time, once the new
aircraft take their place.
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