Defence ministry considering replacing outdated Cheetah, Chetak choppers: Army officer's wife

The defence ministry is seriously contemplating replacing the age-old Cheetah and Chetak helicopter fleet used by the Indian army, said Adv Meenal Wagh Bhosale, founder member of the Army Wives' Agitation Group.

Adv Meenal met Manohar Parikar, union minister of defence, in New Delhi on Wednesday to draw the government's attention to the neglected issue, and demanded scrapping and replacement of the outdated helicopter fleet. She said her meeting was 'successful', adding that the government was well aware of the issue and appeared to be serious about replacing the fleet.

Speaking to dna, she said that the minister told her that replacing the age-old fleet was a priority for the government. "The minister said that scrapping a fleet of about 175 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters can't be done unless they are first replaced. The government is considering options of replacement and a decision on this will be taken soon," she said.

Adv Meenal has also submitted documents in support of her demand that the fleet, which is still used as the mainstay of army aviation, needs to be scrapped as it is outdated and overworked. Many accidents of these copters have claimed the lives of pilots, officers and army personnel, as it is risky when they are used in disaster management for rescue and relief.

"I hope this serious concern of us army wives has reached the minister and the government. I hope that some concrete action will be taken soon," said Adv Meenal.