IAF's Boeing Chinook helicopter performing incredible heavy-lifting operations: IN PICS

The Indian Air Force inducted the Boeing-made Chinook helicopters that will be stationed at Chandigarh air base and will be used to provide necessary items to the Indian troops stationed in Siachen and Eastern Ladakh sectors. 

The Chinook can carry loads weighing 23,000 kilos and is also capable of carrying men and material at high-altitude locations at a maximum speed of 302 kmph. The Chinook has a range of close to 600 kilometres with night-flying abilities as well. It can also be fitted with missile systems for offensive and defensive actions.

The Indian government had inked a deal with the US in 2015 to procure 15 Chinook helicopters. India is only the 19th country in the world to have this state-of-the-art helicopter. 

The Chinook has got vertical lift capabilities, which can be crucial during rescue and relief, firefighting, aircraft recovery, medical evacuation and heavy construction operations.

These helicopters were used extensively by US forces during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Iraq and there are close to 1200 Chinooks in operation in countries like the US, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway, Spain and the UK.

Apart from Chinook, the Indian Air Force also uses Mi-17 V5 for heavy-lift and VVIP transport operations in the country. The Mi-17 V5 is former USSR made helicopter.

It is to be noted that these choppers would prove to be a game-changer in carrying out high-altitude transport operations.