New Delhi: In a major boost to The Indian Air Force’s capabilities along the borders with neighbouring countries, it is to induct first four of its 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters on Monday in Chandigarh.

The first four helicopters that will be deployed at Chandigarh, will be inducted by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa.  The new multi-role helicopters will add significant muscle to IAF’s capabilities along the borders with  China and Pakistan.

Sharing information about Chinook, IAF said in a statement on Twitter, “Chinook can deliver heavy payloads to high altitudes and is eminently suited for operations in the high Himalayas. It will greatly enhance India’s capabilities across a range of military and HADR (Human Assistance and Disaster Relief) missions,”

Talking about the  capabilities of the Chinook, IAF said, Chinook is a heavy lift, tandem rotor helicopter which serves armed forces of 19 countries. It is a multi-role platform and is used for the transport of troops and material among other roles. It will greatly enhance IAF’s HADR capability.

CH-47F (I) Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter that will provide Indian Air Force with unmatched strategic airlift capability across the full spectrum of combat and humanitarian missions.   

India will also induct Boeing-made AH-64E Apaches multi-role combat helicopters later. The delivery of Apache helicopters will begin by July this year.