IAF’s Mi-26 Heavy Lift Helicopters to Undergo Overhaul in India
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The Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of Soviet-origin Mi-26 heavy lift helicopters is likely to get a fresh lease of life after being grounded for years owing to a lack of maintenance.
The helicopters will now be overhauled at the No.3 Base Repair Depot (BRD) in Chandigarh, with Russian help.
"A team of Russian experts recently visited 3 BRD to finalize the details of the project," said a senior IAF official. "We anticipate finalizing the contract within three months, with the overhaul expected to be completed within a year of signing."
The helicopters were previously flown to Russia for maintenance. However, the procedure of transporting them overseas became clogged with delays some years ago, leading their technical lifespan to expire and leaving them useless.
The first Mi-26, which had been in service since 1985, was grounded in 2013, with the other two following in 2014 and 2017.
The decision to upgrade the Mi-26 helicopters in India is an important step toward improving the IAF's heavy-lift capability. These helicopters are critical for carrying soldiers, goods, and equipment in difficult settings, particularly high-altitude zones.
The overhaul procedure is planned to begin with a thorough examination of each helicopter, followed by the replacement of required components and enhancements to ensure the continuous operating performance of the aircraft.
The decision to upgrade the Mi-26 helicopters in India is an important step toward improving the IAF's heavy-lift capability. These helicopters are critical for carrying soldiers, goods, and equipment in difficult settings, particularly high-altitude zones.
The overhaul procedure is planned to begin with a thorough examination of each helicopter, followed by the replacement of required components and enhancements to ensure the continuous operating performance of the aircraft.
The IAF's commitment to resurrecting its Mi-26 aircraft demonstrates its determination to maintaining a robust and adaptable air force capable of meeting a wide range of operational requirements.
