Guwahati, Feb 23: The Centre has given more stress to boost air connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh and so far nine helipads have been constructed and six more are under construction.

Air connectivity has been very important in Arunachal Pradesh because the northeastern state is situated along the border with China. The helipads will play a very crucial role for quick movement in the border areas.

Between 2020 and 2023, nine helipads were constructed and six more under construction in the Army’s 3 Corps area.

It will facilitate an ‘air bridge’- an air route to deliver troops, weapons and logistics from one place to another by means of air transport in times of need due to poor road connectivity.

“To carry out quick sorties to forward areas in shorter time, seven valley in the state have been connected with Chinook-specific helipads to ensure aerial connectivity,” said an army source.

The Indian Army currently operates the Cheetah, Chetak and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) in Arunachal Pradesh.

“The Chinook are the best weather helicopters which can carry up to 45 troops and has a load capability of 10 tonnes underslung.It can carry the Indian Field Gun (IFG), the Light Field Gun (LFG) and M777 Howitzers in underslung mode, thus enabling transport of firepower to forward areas,” the defence personnel said.

After the standoff between Indian and China which began along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), such move from Indian side is very important from the perspective of neutralizing any threat.

In time of war like situation, “enemy action” can lead to road being cut off and during such times, a robust air-,transport system will help in creating an air bridge.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 15 Chinook helicopters procured from the US.

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