<p>Hard-pressed with growing demands for urgent air services, the Home Ministry has decided to upgrade the Border Security Force's two ageing Avro aircraft and sanctioned Rs 11 crore for it.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The Russian-built aircraft, originally inducted into BSF in early 1980s, are often being grounded due to technical snags and hence required urgent technical upgradation.<br /><br />"Considering the growing demands for air services, we have decided for the avionic upgradation the two aircraft and sanctioned Rs 11.21 crore for it," a Home Ministry official said.<br /><br />The upgradation will be carried out by the Bangalore- based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with the help of Russian technology.<br /><br />The aircraft and helicopters of the BSF air wing are frequently used for transportation and deployment of troops in emergency situation, especially in Naxal-affected states.<br /><br />The aircraft are also used for transportation of ration, evacuation of injured troops and those affected by natural calamities.<br /><br />The BSF maintains a fleet of five Dhruv helicopters, one Embraer and two Avro aircraft. Six Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force are also being run by the BSF.<br /><br />In addition, the Home Ministry is in the process of acquiring nearly a dozen Mi-17 V5 armed choppers which will be maintained by the BSF.</p>
<p>Hard-pressed with growing demands for urgent air services, the Home Ministry has decided to upgrade the Border Security Force's two ageing Avro aircraft and sanctioned Rs 11 crore for it.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The Russian-built aircraft, originally inducted into BSF in early 1980s, are often being grounded due to technical snags and hence required urgent technical upgradation.<br /><br />"Considering the growing demands for air services, we have decided for the avionic upgradation the two aircraft and sanctioned Rs 11.21 crore for it," a Home Ministry official said.<br /><br />The upgradation will be carried out by the Bangalore- based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with the help of Russian technology.<br /><br />The aircraft and helicopters of the BSF air wing are frequently used for transportation and deployment of troops in emergency situation, especially in Naxal-affected states.<br /><br />The aircraft are also used for transportation of ration, evacuation of injured troops and those affected by natural calamities.<br /><br />The BSF maintains a fleet of five Dhruv helicopters, one Embraer and two Avro aircraft. Six Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force are also being run by the BSF.<br /><br />In addition, the Home Ministry is in the process of acquiring nearly a dozen Mi-17 V5 armed choppers which will be maintained by the BSF.</p>