Indian Air Force phases out Soviet-era Mi-8 helicopters
The multi-utility choppers were used extensively in humanitarian, search and rescue and disaster relief operations.
The Indian Air Force phased out its Soviet era multi-utility Mi-8 helicopters, which it had inducted in 1972, after a ceremony at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Air Force personnel, who had flown the iconic craft, attended the ceremony, The Hindu reported. Former Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major flew the Mi-8 helicopter for the last time. Air Marshal Jasjit Singh Kler, the senior-most Mi-8 pilot, was also present.
Adieu #MI8 : Inducted in 10 operational helicopter units, it operated in several Ops including Op #Meghdoot in SiachenGlacier & Op #Pawan in SriLanka.The #helicopter also operated extensively in #HADR Ops across Length&Breadth of the Country. @SpokespersonMoD @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/hRyaleRxYy
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 17, 2017
“The de-commissioned choppers will be handed over to the agencies concerned for static display and to motivate the youth to join the armed forces,” said Air Marshal SRK Nair, who was the chief guest at the ceremony.
The Mi-8 helicopters, named Pratap by the Air Force, were part of Operation Meghdoot in 1989 at the Siachen Glacier and Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka in 1987, Nair recalled. The Air Force also used them in humanitarian, search and rescue and disaster relief operations.
These choppers were not only a mainstay of helicopter operations but also helped the military train a lineage of professional helicopter aircrew, the Air Force said.
