Army to Use Civil Helicopters for Vital Logistics Support in High-Altitude Regions

In a groundbreaking move, the Indian Army has signed a one-year contract with civil aviation agencies to provide helicopter logistics support for its northern and western border outposts. The contract will support 16 posts in Jammu and 28 in Kashmir and Ladakh, delivering vital supplies during the harsh winter season.

These civil helicopters will operate in difficult-to-reach areas like Drass, Kargil, Batalik, and Gurez, ensuring that the Army’s high-altitude posts remain fully operational from November to April. The helicopters will carry essential supplies, including food, fuel, and medical aid, where road access is cut off due to snow and ice.

The initiative represents a strategic shift in how the Army manages its logistical needs, with plans to expand the model to other challenging regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. By using civil aviation assets, the Army can reserve its own helicopters for more critical missions, such as combat or emergency operations.

This initiative marks a new era of civil-military cooperation in securing India’s remote borders, ensuring logistical support without overburdening military aviation assets.