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World Defense & Security News - India
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Indian Air Force phases out last Mi-8 PRATAP helicopters
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The Indian Air Force's last Mi-8 "PRATAP" has been phased out yesterday, the IAF said in an official statement. The IAF 112 Helicopter Unit based in Yehalanka air force station was the last unit to operate the platform.
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 An IAF Mi-8 PRATAP helicopter(Credit: IAF) |
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The Mi-8 PRATAP has been the backbone of the IAF medium lift combat capability and was the chosen platform for graduation of MLH aircrew.
The Mi-8 arrived in India in 1971 in Bombay and were formally inducted in the IAF helicopter inventory in 1972. Between 1971 and 1988, the IAF inducted 107 Mi-8 helicopters, rechristened as the "PRATAP". Ten operational unit received the PRATAP, which was operated in several major IAF operations, including Operation Meghdoot in the Siachen Glacier and Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. The helicopter also operated extensively in humanitarian and disaster relief operations across the country. The Mi-8 PRATAP has also been associated with VIP flying for over decades. |
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