IAF deploys Chinook helicopters in Assam for rapid troop and machinery movement along China border

GUWAHATI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed its newly acquired Boeing Chinook heavy lift helicopters at the Mohanbari airbase in Assam. This will allow the IAF to rapidly move troop and machinery movement along the border with China, ANI has reported.

The helicopters are soon expected to be deployed in other North-eastern states like Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

This development assumes significance amid the recent confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops in Sikkim after China’s aggressive posturing along the border which resulted in stone pelting and fist fight between the two sides.

These Chinook helicopters as a result can help in rapid transfer of troops across valleys to aid in additional troop mobilisation along the border. The Chinooks are also capable of carrying weapon systems like artillery guns.

The choppers are also expected to be used by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to airlift material required to construct roads in remote but strategic areas.