VVIP choppers not put to use

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has inducted three AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters, but none of them have been used for flying dignitaries yet.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has inducted three AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters, but none of them have been used for flying dignitaries yet.

HT Image

The first chopper joined the air force fleet in December 2012, while the third was inducted in January 2013.

IAF sources said the AW101s had not been assigned to VVIP duties yet as pilots and crews were training and undergoing conversion to operate the new platform.

The air force currently flies VVIPS such as the President, Prime Minister and Vice President in Russian Mi-17 helicopters that were inducted in the mid-1980s and 70s.

The next batch of three AW101 helicopters is expected to be inducted to the air force in the April-May period this year.