Mi-17V5 stationed at Jamnagar

Here is the press release issued by the Ministry of Defence

"It was proud moment for a Helicopter Unit at Air Force Station, Jamnagar, when the 'state of the art' Mi – 17 V5s were today formally inducted at the base. The unit was raised almost 42 years back on 03 Mar 1972 at Guwahati and has been operating the Mi-8 helicopters, the workhorse for the IAF.

 Air Marshal Daljit Singh, Air Officer Commanding – in – Chief of South Western Air Command today handed over the formidable helicopters to the unit in a ceremony. To mark the occasion the helicopters rolled through the water cannon, keeping up with the traditional welcome for new inductions. The event was also graced by the senior officers from Headquarters South Western Air Command and Air Commodore PR Navalkar, Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Jamnagar.

 Speaking on the occasion, the Air Marshal expressed confidence in the potential increase in capabilities of the unit in undertaking multifarious missions in its area of responsibility, especially Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat. The unit has the proud distinction of having served across the length and breadth of country and across the spectrum of helicopter operations since its raising. The unit has been doing yeoman service in providing succor and relief during natural calamities in Gujarat since it relocated at Jamnagar in 1990. The unit has been an integral part of relief ops carried out during massive earthquake at Bhuj and unforeseen tragedies like flash floods, shipping accidents etc.

The multi-purpose Mi-17 V5 is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and navigation systems like on-board weather radar and autopilot. It also has advanced night-vision equipment and a glass cockpit. The Mi-17 V5 chopper is a medium-lift helicopter which can carry over 5 tonnes of load."