Operation Meghdoot: Role of Indian Air Force

• Operation Meghdoot's objective was to capture the Siachen Glacier.
• Indian Army expeditions were going on in the high-altitude region.
• IAF was tasked with supporting the troops with backup and supplies.

Operation Meghdoot was launched in 1984, it aimed to capture the Siachen Glacier. It was quite a unique operation because of Siachen's dreaded terrain and unforgiving climate. The mission was a successful one, India gained control over the Siachen Glacier.

India now controls the 70 kilometres long glacier and the three major passes west of it (Sia La, Bilafond La, and Gyong La. Whereas Pakistan controls the area west of Saltoro Ridge. The TIME magazine states, India has control over 1,000 square miles of territory because of its exceptional military operation.

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IAF had played a major role in this operation. It used Il-76, An-12, and An-32 to transport troops and drop supplies to these extremely high altitude battlefields. Following which, Mi-17, Mi-8 and HAL Chetak would carry the same to the east.

IAF's performance was incredible, taking into account how extreme the temperature and altitude are at Siachen. The operation is a saga which showcased such skill that can never be forgotten.

Role of Indian Air Force

When the first IAF sortie was launched to Siachen on 20th September 1978, Chetak helicopters used to supply stores to the on-ground Indian Army. That's when a thought occurred to one of the IAF officers "Why not pick their emails for their loved ones back home?" They used to drop a string with a note saying "We are coming back in 10 minutes. Please write your letters and put them in a bag."

This kind gesture of the Indian Air Force symbolized the brotherhood of 'men in arms'. It also boosted the morale of Indian Army troops who were leading expeditions on the 'third pole of the world'.

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IAF helicopters used to fly at the height of 16,000 feet, many times, the officers had to take oxygen directly from the pipe. They also had the job of taking injured troops back to base camp. However, it isn't as simple as it sounds.

Finding the expedition parties in the never-ending desert of ice, then landing the helicopter on the lumps of snow were tasks that required unmistakable skill.

How IAF operates in Siachen now

Indian Air Force has a far different set of procedures than that of the time of Operation Meghdoot. The operations are scientifically planned and executed meticulously.

• IL-76s and An-32s supply stores to the men in Leh and Thoise from Chandigarh.
• Thereafter, Mi-17 helicopters airdrop supplies to the lower level helipads at 17,500 feets.
• Cheetahs then take over and ferry the supplies to helipads situated at 20,000 feet.