On April 13, 1984, Meghdoot commenced, as the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) undertook a mission to secure the heights overlooking the Northern Ladakh region by advancing to the Siachen glacier. This operation involved the IAF airlifting Indian Army soldiers and dropping them onto the glacial peaks. Notably, IAF helicopters had been operating in the Siachen Glacier since October 1978, employing the Chetak helicopters, marking the first IAF helicopter landing in the Glacier.
The decision to launch Meghdoot stemmed from concerns over Pakistan’s cartographic aggression in Ladakh and its attempts to legitimize its claim on Siachen. With intelligence indicating Pakistani military action, India acted preemptively to secure strategic heights on Siachen. IAF’s transport aircraft like An-12s, An-32s, and IL-76s played a crucial role in transporting troops and supplies to high altitude airfields, from where helicopters like Mi-17s, Mi-8s, Chetaks, and Cheetahs ferried personnel and material to elevated glacier positions. This strategic positioning enabled the Indian Army to gain a tactical advantage over Pakistan’s subsequent troop advances.
IAF’s support to the Army’s efforts since April 1984 has been remarkable, showcasing resilience and expertise in extreme conditions. Initially focused on transport and helicopter operations, the IAF expanded its role to include fighter aircraft deployment. The introduction of Hunter aircraft initiated fighter operations from Leh’s high altitude airfield, followed by the involvement of MiG-23s and MiG-29s. Later, the Cheetal helicopters were inducted, equipped with enhanced engines for glacier operations.
Over the years, the IAF has demonstrated its capabilities further, including landing the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules at Daulat Beg Oldie airstrip. Today, a wide array of IAF aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Chinook, Apache, ALH Mk III & Mk IV, LCH Prachand, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, C-17, C-130 J, IL-76, and An-32, operate in support of Op Meghdoot.
In this harsh environment, IAF helicopters serve as the lifeline for Indian troops, facilitating communication, logistics, and medical evacuations. The IAF’s operations in this challenging terrain continually set new benchmarks in human endurance, flying capabilities, and technical proficiency.
