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Govt to buy Russian choppers for BSF

Last Updated 03 February 2012, 18:46 IST

In the light of the crashes of Dhruv helicopters operated by the Border Security force (BSF), the Ministry of Home Affairs is purchasing six MI-17 cargo choppers from Russia.

“The government will also acquire more fixed-wing aircrafts for para-military forces,” sources told Deccan Herald.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said this week that indigenous Dhruv fleet has been grounded after repeat accidents.

The Ministry of Defence which is acquiring 59 MI-17  helicopters will help it out in buying the choppers, according to home ministry officials.

Chidambaram  said he had aut­horised wet leasing of some helicopters and was also looki­ng for buying some more choppers for the security forces.

Besides choppers, MHA is also to acquire more fixed-wing craft for para-military forces in border management and de­a­ling with  Left-wing extremism in different parts of the co­untry.

The additional  aircraft ord­ered   are  Embraer EMB 135 (Brazil make-VIP transport) and Beechcraft Super King Air (US make-turbo prop aircraft) and Hawker Siddeley (UK-turbo prop aircraft). BSF largely  op­erates most of these aircraft.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police has asked for  Udhyog helicopters and Embraer  transp­ort air crafts, sources said.

The logistics for the expansion of the MHA’s  air wing , including hangers and pilots training , are being put in place.

The expanded air-wing of the MHA will also have UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) to monitor Naxal-affected districts to detect mined roads.

At present, additional req­u­irements of the MHA is met by the Indian Air Force which regularly lends it helicopters and aircrafts. Recently, the army itself  has sought to have  a full-fledged air-force of its own.

The demand for a separate  air force is pitched not only by the Army but the Navy is also aspiring to have a big airforce. The sea force is keen on more supersonic fighters, reconnaissance aircraft, multi-role and anti-submarine warfare helicopters, UAVs and advanced jet trainers.

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(Published 03 February 2012, 18:46 IST)

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