It was a proud moment for the Helicopter Unit at the Air Force Station in Jamnagar, when state-of-theart Mi-17V5s were formally inducted at the base on March 19. The unit was raised almost 42 years ago on March 3, 1972, at Guwahati and has been operating the Mi-8 helicopters, the workhorse for the IAF.

Air Marshal Daljit Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command, handed over the formidable helicopters to the unit in a ceremony. To mark the occasion the helicopters rolled through the water cannon, keeping up with the traditional welcome for new inductions. The event was also graced by the senior officers from Headquarters South Western Air Command and Air Commodore P.R. Navalkar, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Jamnagar.

Speaking on the occasion, the Air Marshal expressed confidence in the potential increase in capabilities of the unit in undertaking multifarious missions in its area of responsibility, especially Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat. The unit has the proud distinction of having served across the length and breadth of country and across the spectrum of helicopter operations since its raising. The unit has been doing yeoman service in providing succour and relief during natural calamities in Gujarat since it relocated at Jamnagar in 1990. The unit has been an integral part of relief operations carried out during the massive earthquake at Bhuj and unforeseen tragedies like flash floods, shipping accidents, etc.

The multi-purpose Mi-17V5 is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and navigation systems like on-board weather radar and autopilot. It also has advanced night-vision equipment and a glass cockpit. The Mi-17 V5 chopper is a medium-lift helicopter which can carry over five tonnes of load.