New Delhi, Sep. 24: With an aim of augmenting logistical support for paramilitary forces in the anti-Naxal operations, the Indian Air Force will start withdrawing its 20 helicopters from the UN peace-keeping missions from November.
The “phased withdrawal” of the choppers from three peace-keeping missions in Africa will be completed by June next year, defence ministry sources said.
The de-induction decision was taken after the IAF found itself hard-pressed for choppers while extending logistical help to paramilitary forces in anti-Naxal operations, they said.
The IAF’s medium-lift MI-17 and MI-8 choppers are deployed in three African countries including Congo and Sudan and help in transportation of UN troops and equipment there.
The home ministry has been seeking enhanced logistical support from the IAF in terms of movement of personnel and casualty evacuation particularly in inhospitable areas.
The IAF had said that if it were to assist in anti-Naxal operations, it would require more helicopters, following which the clearance was given.
The defence forces are not inclined to get involved in combat operations against Naxals fearing collateral damage and want to leave it to police and paramilitary forces.