BSF firepower gets edge with two new military choppers for operations

New Delhi: Two modern ‘Mi’ helicopters, armed with latest avionics to fly in deep jungles and conduct night sorties, were today inducted into the elite air wing of the country’s largest border guarding force BSF.[caption id=“attachment_1744633” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. Reuters[/caption] The two Mi-17-V5 choppers are the first batch of the total eight helicopters’ fleet which are expected to join the Border Security Force by this year-end. The choppers will be used to bolster anti-Naxal operations and various other tasks conducted by Central paramilitary forces in both border areas and the hinterland. Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju inducted the two ‘birds’ into the BSF fleet at a ceremony held at Safdarjung airport in New Delhi. “These two helicopters are very very modern and one of the finest helicopters in the world. These will boost the operational capabilities of BSF and other paramilitary forces. We will continue to strengthen the air wing of the force,” he told reporters after he inducted the choppers into the fleet. The military choppers, embossed with the BSF logo and name, were given a tri-colour water jet salute as soon as they landed at the tarmac in New Delhi. The Russian-made choppers are an upgraded version of the existing ‘Mi-17’ choppers operated by Indian Air Force and BSF in the country. The new flying machines have an all-weather radar which helps them to fly in difficult areas and in the night, a ‘bambi bucket’ to carry gallons of water for humanitarian aid and help for civil administration, a powerful winch to extricate troops and civilians alike, loud hailers and search lights to undertake extended reconnaissance missions. Rijiju, when asked, said it was not immediately decided as to which operational theatre in the country these choppers will be dedicated. “Normally, priority is given to Left Wing Extremism-hit areas as well as difficult border areas. Now, where will they be deployed will be based on necessity from time to time,” he said adding the Home Ministry is enhancing the capabilities of BSF to operate the air wing. These helicopters were initially supposed to be handed over to BSF by Russians in September last year but due to some glitches the delivery could not take place. BSF, which operates the air wing for the Union home ministry and all forces under its command like CRPF, ITBP, SSB and NSG, has made elaborate plans to base these helicopters in anti-Naxal operations grid and some helipads have been constructed especially for them. Rijiju hailed BSF men and women for keeping the air wing flying despite many “constraints”. “The country stays safe because of the people in uniform like you. You have never let the country down,” he said. BSF Director General DK Pathak and other officials of the air wing were also present at the event. Meanwhile, the minister took some questions on the sidelines of the event. Asked about the plans of having composite townships in Kashmir Valley for displaced Kashmiri Pandits, Rijiju said it was a “political issue” and he would not want to comment. “It is a political issue. There is a coalition government there. The central and state government will do consultations (on the issue). It would not be good for me to comment,” he said. PTI