Siachen Glacier: Army’s Operation Meghdoot has completed 40 years. 40 years ago on this day, Pakistan wanted to capture Siachen. The armed forces started the operation on 13 April 1984 to foil the nefarious intentions of the enemy. On the same day, the Indian flag was also hoisted at Siachen, the world’s highest war-field. Currently, Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Chinook, Apache, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachanda, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, C-17, C-130J, IL-76 are deployed in Siachen. And AN-32 are providing their services for Operation Meghdoot.
According to the Air Force, on this highest battlefield in the world, Indian Air Force helicopters are the lifeline and the only link connecting Indian soldiers with the outside world, which play an important role in continuing the four decade old military campaign. Operation Meghdoot was launched on 13 April 1984 when the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) advanced towards the Siachen Glacier to secure the high altitude areas of the northern Ladakh region. This important operation included airlifting of Indian Army personnel by the Indian Air Force through its aircraft and taking them to the glaciated peaks.
Formally this operation started in 1984, but many helicopters of the Indian Air Force were serving in Siachen Glacier since 1978. Chetak helicopters were being flown here. Chetak was the first helicopter of the Indian Air Force to land in this glacier in October 1978. By 1984, Pakistan’s factually manipulated aggression in claiming the uncharted territory of Ladakh and its efforts to allow foreign mountaineering expeditions in Siachen were becoming a cause for concern.
According to the Air Force, India decided to thwart Pakistan’s attempts to legitimize its claim on Siachen after receiving intelligence information about Pakistani military operations in the area. In this important effort, the Indian Air Force played a brilliant role and fulfilled its responsibility. Its strategic aircraft such as AN-12s, AN-32s and IL-76s transported essential supplies and equipment to the troops to their destination. Ensured air supply to high altitude areas.
‘Four Decades of Valor at the Highest Battlefield on Earth’#OperationMeghdoot#IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/nnHBoIWSZt
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 13, 2024
After this, from there, Mi-17, Mi-8, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters transported people and essential supplies to the extreme height of the glacier, which was much higher than the limit set by the helicopter manufacturers. In this way, about 300 soldiers were soon transported to the strategically important peaks and passes of the glacier. By the time the Pakistani Army reacted by advancing its troops, the Indian Army had captured these strategically important mountain peaks and passes, giving it a strategic advantage.
The Indian Air Force also inducted Chital helicopters in 2009 to further its activities in the glacier. In the most recent activity, on 20 August 2013, the Indian Air Force, in a significant demonstration of its capabilities, launched its new Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules four-engine transport aircraft from the world’s highest airstrip, Daulat Beg Oldie, near the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. (DBO).
,
Tags: india pakistan, Siachen
FIRST PUBLISHED: April 13, 2024, 21:10 IST