Govt to buy Russian choppers for BSF

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.