The Indo-Tibetan Border Police new air wing helicopters will operate from its bases in Guwahati and Chandigarh.
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will soon have an air wing for reconnaissance so that transgressions by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), troop build-up and construction across the border can be prevented. The decision comes in the wake of Doklam episode.
ITBP has acquired two twin-engined helicopters which will be used for recce, transportation of combat troops, evacuation of dead, injured and sick jawans, supplying rations and flying VIPs at altitudes of 16,000-18,000 feet in the Himalayas.
The twin-engine helicopters will be able to transport 8-10 troopers on a single trip, carry arms/ammunition/explosives to forward locations, fly for two hours without refuelling, have night flying capability and special features for slithering of troopers and dropping of rations.
The government has directed ITBP to make sure that pilots and crew are acquainted with the border and don’t cross the Line of Actual Control (LAC)/International Border (IB) under any circumstances.
Source: TOI