All 7 valleys in state have Chinook helipads, ensuring connectivity in times of need due to poor road systems. New generation equipment also inducted to upgrade communication infra.
IAF's three Mi-26 heavy lift helicopters are currently grounded. Once they're overhauled, India will be first country to have both Russian Mi-26s & American Chinooks in operation.
The Chinese have increased their state of alertness in wake of the IAF exercise and have deployed airborne early-warning aircraft at its Shigatse airport.
Ministry of Defence has cleared overhaul of its 3 Russian Halo choppers. Once the process is complete, IAF will operate both Halo & US Chinook helicopters.
CAG notes Boeing's Chinook has lesser load capacity and carries fewer troops as compared to Russian Mi-26. Report says Mi-26 too does not meet all criteria.
For an industry globally classified as hazardous, protections such as health insurance and a provident fund for workers are necessities. In Sivakasi, they remain elusive.
The industry forecasts exports are set to grow 16% in 2025-26, boosted by surplus domestic production and a drive to push into 26 underserved global markets with strong potential.
Indigenisation level will progressively increase up to 60 percent with key sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts being manufactured locally.
It is a brilliant, reasonably priced, and mostly homemade aircraft with a stellar safety record; only two crashes in 24 years since its first flight. But its crash is a moment of introspection.
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