Page 325 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

service as of July 2010.

Helicopters

124. An important objective of the IAF is to support ground troops by
providing air cover and by transporting men and essential commodities

across the battlefield. For this purpose, the Air Force maintains a fleet of

helicopters.

a. HAL Dhruv: The HAL Dhruv serves primarily as a light utility
helicopter in the IAF. In addition to transport and utility roles,

Dhruvs are also used as attack helicopters. 4 Dhruvs are also
operated by the Indian Air Force Sarang Helicopter Display Team.

b. HAL Chetak: The HAL Chetak is a light utility helicopter and is
used primarily for training, rescue and light transport roles in the

IAF. The HAL Chetak is scheduled to be replaced by HAL’s

Advanced Light Helicopter.

c. HAL Cheetah: The HAL Cheetah is a light utility helicopter used
for high altitude operations. It is used for both transport and search-

and-rescue missions in the IAF.

d. Mil Mi-8: The Mil Mi-8 and the Mil Mi-17 are operated by the

IAF for medium utility roles. The Mi-8 is being progressively
replaced by the Mi-17. The IAF has ordered 80 Mi-17V-5s to

replace and augment its existing fleet of Mi-8s and Mi-17s, with an
order for 59 additional helicopters to follow soon.

e. Mil Mi-26: The Mil Mi-26 serves as a heavy-lift helicopter in the

IAF. It can also be used to transport troops or as a flying

ambulance. The IAF currently operates 4 Mi-26s.

f. Mil Mi-35: The Mil Mi-35 serves primarily as an attack helicopter

in the IAF. The Mil Mi-35 can also act as a low-capacity troop
transport. The IAF currently operates two squadrons (No.104

Firebirds and No.125 Gladiators) of Mi-25/35s.