As Army upgrades firepower in eastern Arunachal, Chinook heavy-lift helicopter becomes a “game changer”

After strengthening defences as well as firepower in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh, the Army has now beefed up its combat potential along the Line of Actual Control

After strengthening defences as well as firepower in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh, the Army has now beefed up its combat potential along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the rest of the State with the induction of its entire range of arsenal from the latest firearms to M777 ultra light howitzers.

The CH-47F(I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters have become a “game changer” in terms of their ability to lift heavy loads, including the M777s, and reach remote posts that are air maintained.

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All helipads constructed or under construction in the last few years in Arunachal are to Chinook specifications. “All seven valleys have been connected with Chinook-specific helipads to ensure aerial connectivity,” an Army source said. Between 2020 and 2023, nine helipads were constructed and six more under construction in the Army’s 3 Corps area. “Of these, five helipads of Chinook standards were constructed and three more are under construction in the districts of Lohit, Anjaw and Dibang,” an officer said during a visit to the area last week.

“The Chinook has been a game changer with the amount of loads it can carry across valleys especially given the uneven terrain and thick forest cover here,” the officer added. Adding to this, the M777 gives significant flexibility in employment options for long range fire power as it can be transported underslung the Chinook. The M777 it weights four tonnes.

Last week, an Army unit operating the M777s and the 105mm Indian field guns showcased a drill on the operation of the howitzers to a small group of journalists visiting the area near the LAC in eastern Arunachal Pradesh.