Army ropes in civilian copters for remote posts

IN a move aimed at bolstering logistics support to remote forward posts, the Indian Army has entered into a first-of-itskind contract with civil aviation service providers for helicopter support to the posts along the Northern and Western borders that are cut off during the winter, Army officer said on Monday.

- MAYANK SINGH New Delhi

Under this, civil aviation helicopters would be employed instead of Army's own aviation or Air Force assets. This will not only reduce costs but preserve the service life of military helicopters for more critical roles in combat or emergency scenarios, the officers said.

"The contract, executed for a period of one year, will ensure that 16 remote posts in the Jammu region are sustained throughout the year, while another 28 posts in Kashmir and Ladakh will benefit from this support for 150 days next year," said an officer aware of the development.