/A Chinook helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed a precautionary landing in Dhadrian village of Sangrur district on Sunday, citing a “technical snag”.

The incident occurred during a routine flying sortie, raising concerns about the operational capability of the heavy-lift helicopters that play a crucial role in strategic airlift and humanitarian efforts. The officials said that the helicopter was on a routine flying sortie and landed in an open field.

IAF officials reassured that both the crew and the helicopter remained unharmed during the precautionary landing. A technical team has been dispatched to the landing site to assess the situation and conduct necessary repairs.

The exact reason behind the technical snag leading to the precautionary landing is yet to be determined. An enquiry by the IAF has been initiated to investigate the incident thoroughly and ascertain the cause of the technical malfunction.

The Chinook CH-47F (I) helicopter belongs to the 126 Helicopter Unit, known as ‘Featherweights’, based in Chandigarh. This unit was responsible for the induction of Chinooks into the IAF in March 2019. The emergency landing marks a significant event, potentially being the first of its kind for this helicopter in India.

In 2022, the US Army grounded its Chinook fleet due to engine fires, leading to concerns regarding the safety of these helicopters. However, Boeing’s India chief, Salil Hupte, stated that the Chinooks operated by the Indian Air Force do not exhibit similar issues, emphasizing that there is no impact on the helicopters operated by the Indian forces.

Boeing, the manufacturer of Chinook helicopters, is expected to provide details to the Indian Air Force about the reasons behind the grounding of the US Army's Chinook fleet.

IAF’s Chinook fleet is strategically based in Chandigarh for operations in the northern region and in Assam to address the northeastern areas. The Chinook CH-47F (I) helicopters were formally inducted into the force in 2019 at the Indian Air Force station in Chandigarh, with the remaining 11 delivered the following year.

These heavy-lift helicopters feature a tandem-rotor design, making them well-suited for transporting troops, heavy cargo, tanks, relief aid, and artillery in underslung operations. The tandem rotor design enhances stability, control, and performance in challenging conditions, such as high altitudes. Boeing boasts that the Chinook is the only helicopter in its class capable of reaching a service ceiling of 20,000 feet.

The IAF had signed a contract with Boeing Limited in September 2015 for the acquisition of 15 Chinook helicopters. These helicopters were deemed crucial for the modernization of the IAF’s helicopter fleet. The CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopters are equipped with a fully integrated digital cockpit management system, advanced cargo handling capabilities, and an electronic warfare suite.

Boeing completed the delivery of all 15 CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopters to the IAF in 2020. One squadron is stationed in Chandigarh, primarily catering to the operational needs of the Army in Ladakh, while another squadron is based in Mohanbari, Assam.