No. 143 Helicopter Unit, IAF
| No. 143 Helicopter Unit | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1 June 2022 - Present |
| Country |  Republic of India |
| Branch |  Indian Air Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Jodhpur AFS |
| Nickname(s) | "Dhanush" |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | HAL Prachand |
No. 143 Helicopter Unit (Dhanush) is a helicopter Unit and is equipped with HAL Prachand based at Jodhpur AFS.[1]
History
[edit]143 Helicopter Unit, is the latest attack helicopter unit of the Indian Air Force. It is the first unit to be equipped with the indigenously developed HAL Prachand attack helicopter.[2] The unit was raised on 1 June 2022 and started receiving the initial lot of helicopters from 18 July, 2022. The unit officially inducted 4 HAL Prachand on 3 October, 2022.[3]
Assignments
[edit]The unit will be tasked to carry out mainly ground attack missions. Prachand also has limited aerial combat capability. Armed with M621 cannon on Nexter THL-20 turret, ATAM, FZ275 LGR rockets and Dhruvastra anti-tank guided missiles, the helicopter is well versed in carrying out varied operations duties.[2]
Aircraft
[edit]| Aircraft | From | To | Air Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL Prachand | 3 October 2022 | Present | Jodhpur AFS[4] |
Gallery
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ Peri, Dinaker (3 October 2022). "Induction of indigenously built Light Combat Helicopter marks a new chapter: Air chief". The Hindu.
- ^ a b "Indigenously Designed and Developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) inducted into Indian Air Force" (Press release). PIB. 3 October 2022.
- ^ "4 Light Combat Helicopters join IAF 143 HU; LCH is lethal and formidable". Asianet News. 3 October 2022.
- ^ "IAF inducts first made-in-India light combat helicopters". LiveMint. 3 October 2022.
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