Missamari (Assam): The Indian army has increased and improved the deployment of air assets in Arunachal Pradesh, near the borders with China. Deployments were gradually increased as the Indian Army revamped the aerial firepower of its aviation wings.

Reinforced aviation brigade

Lt. Col. Amit Dadhwal of the Corps of Army Aviation said the aviation squadron has gone from a simple fixed-wing aircraft with basic avionics to state-of-the-art equipment.

“We have in the rotating platforms today in the form of cheetahs, advanced light helicopters, light combat helicopters and integrated into the ALH system,” Lt. Col. Dadhwal said. “These Rotary Wing platforms provide us, our leaders and commanders with a plethora of capabilities so that we can be successful in all kinds of operations.”

The force recently set up an aviation brigade in the area after obtaining more “Heron I” unmanned aircraft, an “ALH Dhruv” helicopter and armed attack helicopters “Rudra”. Previously, the force’s aviation wing largely had Cheetah helicopters

The force raised the Locally Designed and Developed Advanced Light Helicopter Squadron (ALH-Dhruv). It is a new generation twin-engine, multirole and multi-mission helicopter in the 5.5 ton weight class and is used for rapid mobilization of troops.

The army has also raised its very first dedicated squadron of armed helicopters “Rudra”. Rudra is the first army aviation aircraft to add “teeth” to the army aviation fleet with its Mistral air-to-air missiles, 70mm rockets, 20mm guns and its ATGMs. The ALH (WSI) is a force multiplier for the Field Force Commander with his powerful weapons on board. This helicopter will be able to storm enemy forces and track them down as needed.

“The ALH (WSI) pilot will be like an archer who will strike and kill or injure the enemy from a distance. He will be like a fierce God bringing death and destruction to the enemy,” said a senior officer from Indian army.

The army’s aviation wing recently obtained Israeli-made Heron I unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the artillery in August.

“The aircraft since its inception has been the backbone of surveillance. It can climb up to 30,000 feet and continue to supply commanders on the ground. Thus, we can maneuver forces on the ground. It has a range of up to 30,000 feet. 24 to 30 hours suddenly, ”said Major Karthik Garg.

Indo-Chinese border line

As the Chinese People’s Liberation Army assault on the actual line of control, the force has increased the frequency of surveillance in the border area to keep tabs on their activities.

From Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh, India shares a total of 1,346 km of CLA with China. India and China have been in a border stalemate for 18 months.

So far, 13 rounds of senior command level meetings have taken place, and the latest round of talks, held on October 10, has failed. The Indian side said the Chinese military does not agree with the constructive suggestions made by the Indian military during the 13th round of talks to resolve the sticking points or remaining areas along the line. real control (LAC) and, as a result, the talks ended without any results.

Recently, India denounced China on Wednesday for questioning Vice President Venkaiah Naidu’s recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh, saying the state is an integral and inalienable part of India. Naidu visited Arunachal Pradesh on October 9 and addressed a special session of the state assembly.

The MEA said the current situation along the LAC in the western sector of the Indo-Chinese border areas was caused by unilateral attempts by the Chinese side to change the status quo in violation of bilateral agreements.

Posted on: Monday October 18, 2021 10:38 am IST