It was reported in the Times of India that – “Dedicate air support for ITBP gets govt nod”. The Government’s decision to acquire helicopters for the ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police) is questionable on a number of counts. The reasons given for this acquisition are specious, scruffy and not substantive. To state that the Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters are not always available for “maintenance of ITBP outposts and for rescue of the sick or injured from the inhospitable heights of Himalayas where it is posted through the year”, is derogatory and undermines the credibility of the IAF. The IAF should rebut and strongly repudiate this grossly false accusation.
To state that the Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters are not always available for ITBP…, is derogatory and undermines the credibility of the IAF.
It is important to understand that the planning for working out the maintenance effort to be provided by the IAF is undertaken well before the commencement of a financial year. Demands from all agencies are sought and considered. The requirement for fixed wing (both air dropped and air landed) and helicopter effort is then earmarked depending on the serviceable helicopter fleet available. All demanding agencies are thereafter informed well in advance of the distribution of this effort. A monthly schedule is prepared and is adhered to. Any shortage in despatch of loads due to weather or any other reason is made up in the next month by diverting additional effort. The planned schedule may be disrupted due to unforeseen situations like natural calamities of cloud bursts, floods or earthquake when the helicopter effort is to be diverted elsewhere. In such an eventuality all the agencies that were demanding are equally affected including the Army. All forward outposts also hold a reserve stock for adverse weather and an additional maintenance reserve.
Evidently ITBP lacks such administrative standard operating procedures. A point in time the Army too had contemplated on leasing helicopters when the IAF was in a tight situation with regards to major deficiencies in its helicopter fleet. However, this option was ruled out because the outposts that require such maintenance are in sensitive forward areas where civilian pilots would not be allowed to operate. Thus the “maintenance of outposts” cannot be given as any reason for acquiring helicopters.
The second reason given is that helicopters are not available for “rescue of sick and injured”. On humanitarian grounds the IAF helicopters are made available for search and rescue of civilian and foreign mountaineering expeditions involved in any accident or suffering any casualties due to calamitous weather conditions. Thus, for the ITBP to ‘accuse’ the IAF for not responding to such a demand is ridiculous and grossly false. Let the IAF put out the facts as to the number of times that ITBP asked for air effort to evacuate casualties and the number of times it could not be provided for reasons of adverse weather conditions and or otherwise. Such accusations in the media must be rebutted publically and the IAF cannot be acquiescent about it.
It is generally known that for every hour of flying a helicopter requires three to four times that for maintenance.
In a similar case earlier, MHA’s had acquired six Mi- 8 helicopters for the Border Security Force (BSF) some years back. There was, however, no supporting regular maintenance set up existing nor were provision of spares for their life span of these machines undertaken. As a matter of fact there were no pilots too. Initially Russian pilots were employed on a hefty salary, but later IAF pilots were sought for on tenure of deputation. The deputation allowance was a pittance in comparison to what had been paid to the Russian pilots, as a result no pilot accepted this offer and thus the helicopters could not be utilised.
It is generally known that for every hour of flying a helicopter requires three to four times that for maintenance. As a result after a while these six helicopters were parked unworthy of flying in the hangers at Safdarjung airfield. Apparently the decision was a hasty one and taken in a huff by the babus seeking a way out for their comfort. The BSF also acquired an Embraer ten-seater passenger jet parked permanently at the Palam airport. In fact these helicopters and aircraft are used by the Home Minister and the babus of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). In 2006, I had on one occasion, representing the Military Operations Directorate, accompanied the then Home Secretary on a visit to Srinagar in connection with certain ongoing Counter Terrorist/Counter Insurgency operations. It is certain that the Army will not permit civilian helicopters piloted by civilians in the sensitive forward areas. It is thus evident that the ITBP is being used only as an excuse to wet lease helicopters for the ease and comfort of the Home Minister and his babus.
The civil bureaucracy in the MHA has this penchant for matching the armed police forces with the Armed Forces as if in competition.
At this rate soon a similar demand will be put up by BSF, National Disaster Management Authority NDMA) and even Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for helicopters dedicated for their respective forces. It would tantamount to creating a full-fledged air wing for each of these forces. Such a measure will be an utter waste of the tax-payers money. The civil bureaucracy in the MHA has this penchant for matching the armed police forces with the Armed Forces as if in competition. Such whimsical fancies are detrimental to the security of the nation and a waste of tax payer’s money.
If it is felt that the IAF requires additional helicopters to meet the requirements of all other government establishments then go ahead and acquire these for the IAF. With it increase the manpower which will be necessitated for maintenance. To have ‘private’ air wings for border guarding forces or central police forces will be an ill considered decision and a gross wastage of the tax payers’ money.
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thanks for sharing amazing post.
The author should first visit the border outpost of ITBP by foot. Than only he will relies the requirement of dedicated air wing for logistic support.ITBP JAWANS still covers 50-60 km distance on foot at the altitude of 10000 -18000 ft. They are first line of defence and dedicated air wing is the need of hour.THEY are deployed at the locations where there is no ( vry less)army deployment .However , moderanisation of IAF is vry vry important for country’s secruity.
May you be informed that the Author has served in such high altitude remote localities long before any facilities and amenities were available. So you need not worry about first hand experience which you surely do not have. You need to read and understand higher defence management. The difficult life faced by the ITBP policeman is never sought to be glossed over. It is the issues between MHA and MoD that needs tidying up to ensure all national resources are available to every man where ever and when ever required. No one should have lien on a nation resource. Whenever such a subject is raised ITBP becomes touchy. It has got nothing to do with ITBP its MHA and MoD.
Respected sir,we appreciate your services to this nation
and we are proud of you.sir after reading this article i am feeling that you holds some kind of grudge against the police force which is presently guarding the indo china border.sir, i wish to know your views on following points…
1) if any defence personnels died in the line of duties they called martyers but not ITBP/BSF and other CAPF PERSONNELS.WHY?
2)ITBP and BSF will fight till LAST MAN LAST BULLET during war and we all know that they are our first line of defence during peace time with this background “why their is a huge difference in pay/allowances/pension between defence forces and border guarding police forces?
regards
Waiting ur reply sir
Waiting sir
best practices in defence spending with the objective of delivering better value to the taxpayer and the soldier in field. Conceived in 2010, the initiative has been revised in 2012 and 2014.
After reading this article, I should tend to believe that the author holds some kind of grudge against ITBP or against all Central armed police forces.
Sir, every organization has its own mandate, responsibilities and requirements. Just because you belonged to another organization, it is incorrect on your part that too even after holding such positions in Indian army to write such an insensible articles which is few on facts but more on prejudiced and ill informed preconceived facts.
After reading this article I tend to wonder how come such a illogical person be elevated to such high positions in Indian Army.
Your views are respected. You need to see the other side without commenting on the person penning his views. To me your views are biased and superficial.
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Schadenfreude attitude of Armed Forces of the country against CAPFs is the routine of the day. Writer earlier wrote too much against the functioning of ITBP and with misplaced knowledge argued for its Ops control. This mind set that we are the best and bad are the rest suffers from schizophrenic disease. World over, there is functional need of every organisation to be resourceful. Same mindset of IA prevented infrastructural development all along Indo-China borders. Without shunning theoretical knowledge, do not underestimate the practical knowledge of ITBP soldiers. Writer is an Infantarian, the Ultimate arm of IA but perhaps holding critical stance against ITBP appears to be his forte. Same applies to other gentlemen who have commented against the proposal. Art of appreciation is difficult and only selected few with vast reservoir of knowledge and deep insight into various issues can master it. Tainted deals of Westa Land Helis involving Ex ACM S P Tyagi, attempts to bribe then COAS Gen VK Singh, senior Army Officers as middleman, does that money come from special coffer and is not tax payers? When IAF is not resourceful then why to question its credibility. What is the need to be the devils advocate without knowing hard facts. Air Force crew deserted one injured soldier in naxal infested area in 2013. They are not ready to operate in naxal areas. Even IA is required to be reminded how difficult gureilla warfare is …remember failed IPKF mission. CAPFs have stabilized the red corridors. There is no urge to argue for better soldierely facilities for combat soldiers of CAPFs. Why officers from Armed Forces are fraught with tunneled vision. From borders to disasters to IS duty to Naxal ops to counter insurgency to VVIP security to Law and order issues to managing elections name any thing where CAPFs are not playing crucial role. They do not manage peace and field postings. They work 24x7without the bogey of AWWA. Hence they need dedicated back up. Welcome step
I don’t agree with this line of analysis.
There can be no doubt that dedicated air support for forward operating bases are a must and often life saving for sick, injured or stuck troops, whether they belong to Army or ITBP or BSF. It’s undeniable that India urgently needs an identical form of “National Air Guard” type units which can provide air support to paramilitary organisations. They need to be self-sufficient with minimum links with Indian Air Force.
However, the landlubber attitude coupled with turf wars are creating obscene amount of hurdles in modernization of India’s internal security apparatus. Separate and dedicated paramilitary air wing is “the” need of the hour. The maintenance and training part can be solved by “Joint Helicopter Command” that has been proposed umpteen times. Its high time that armed forces higher command thought creatively and not in terms of their cute little fiefdoms.
There is also the technical aspect of air-space management, especially during active ops, either along the LC, LOC, IB, or ops against militants/terrorists involving heptrs/aircraft of both, the Army/IAF/Navy and Paramilitary forces. It will be a chaotic state.
It happens. ITBP is a far cry. Availabilty of AN 32s was just 28 aircrafts of 90 held for an ops .
Very soon we will have the CISF, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, NSG, clamouring for armoured vehicles, tanks, guns, helicopters and fixed wing transports followed by ground attack planes and then we will have Armies within Armies controlled by the MoD,HM,Finance,Railways, Foreign Affairs et all. It all boils down to empire building along with a myopic strategic vision compounded with short term and vested interests of our leaders and bureaucrats. The AF, per se, is an experienced team of aviation transportation specialists who are trained to provide professional management support, expert handling, and have extensive knowledge to manage all air logistics, transport and shipment requirements in times of war as well as peace. Their charter of duties includes central Govt and state missions, disaster relief in times of earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, search and rescue, protection of vital public services, and support to civil defense and para military forces. It is a highly competent and capable force with an in- built and self sustaining ability to train, operate, support and repair. Be clear of one thing here; the where-withal, ability and capacity to provide the requisite quantum of air support depend on the size, strength and capability of the IAF—-and ensuring that the nations AF has this capability is the sole responsibility of the political leaders and the arm chair strategists.Take the example of the US. The ANG units are trained and equipped by the Air Force and immediately come under the operational command of the USAF, when federalized, depending on the requirement. They are an extension of the USAF. In addition, the Air National Guard forces are assigned to Expeditionary Forces and are subject to deployment / tasking orders along with their active duty and Air Force Reserve counterparts, in their assigned cycle deployment windows–a much better system than what is being proposed by the Home Ministry here. Will we never learn?
Gen Bajwa is correct if the trend continues to follow one day these para military chaps will try to create a parallel army and even demand to be armed with nukes
It is a very logical approach and every one cannot have a fleet of their own for the various reasons as given. We must beef up the Army and the Air Force fleet to cater for all the eventualities faced by the para military forces and their requirements. All helicopters require replacement and the funds must be spent on this than raising a new fleet without any maintenance back up or pilots.
Opinion of Gen Bajwa is somewhere influenced by his deep affiliation to old values of complacency with the old system and not to be ready to decentralised resources and logistics. As far as our Air Force is concerned it is no doubt one of the best in the world, but let’s use it more for strategic purpose than for logistic one and it is clearly evident if we analyse forces in other countries whether military or Paramilitary or police forces , dedicated Air support is provided for effective deliverance of duties.
To say the least, the demand by the ITBP for it’s dedicated fleet of helicopters is illogical, grossly wasteful and would serve no purpose except to satisfy the “ego” of bureaucrats sitting in the Home Ministry and the directors general of the ITBP. The reasons enumerated by the Home Ministry for a dedicated fleet for the ITBP are not very convincing and appear rather uncharitable to a professional organisation like the IAF, who have for years, provided them logistical support and taken care of their sick and ailing personnel. The author is absolutely right in stating that it is not merely helicopters or fixed wing aircraft that would be required to be provided to the ITBP, but also maintenance support which is always a critical factor in keeping the fleet air worthy. In the absence of proper maintenance support, these aircraft will also go the BSF way, and the nation would end up losing huge sums of money in procuring these aircraft. Instead, it may be a much better idea to provide these aircraft to the IAF to be used exclusively for the ITBP except in national interest where they could be used to augment the IAF effort. It should be borne in mind that there is no place for “ego” when it comes to a definite policy change.
It is my considered opinion that close ground support for all ground forces (i.e. the operational elements of the Air Force) should be under the command of the ground forces themselves. As for the Indian Army, just as the LMG is a section weapon or artillery is a brigade weapon, there must be squadrons of A-10 equivalent and Apache Choppers available as a Div weapon. Transport Logistics should be under command of the Service Corps. The Navy has its own air arm. The Air force should be allowed to focus on its preferred role of providing Strategic and Tactical Air umbrellas as well as deterrent posture. Unless, of course, the three services are amalgamated and come under common command including ALL para military border activities. The services, including the Border Police, must be armed and equipped to deliver effective national security, either individually and severally, or in a united and integrated manner..
There was Zam airways up to 1970. It was serving to BRO. From BRO funds to air craft and chopper were brought from USSR and placed under IAF. Another option is to raise dedicate private air service for ITBP. When not in use may hired out but top priority for ITBP when called for. Being sufferer, as dependent, I know how BRO people died.