Army collaborates with civil helicopters for border logistics across 44 posts

In a groundbreaking move, the Indian Army has signed a one-year contract with civil aviation service providers to support logistics in remote forward posts along the Northern and Western borders.
This initiative, part of India’s push for civil-military cooperation and aligned with the PM Gati Shakti program, is designed to provide helicopter support to sustain 16 posts in Jammu year-round and another 28 posts in Kashmir and Ladakh for 150 days.
This marks a significant shift in the Army’s strategy to maintain high-altitude positions during the harsh winter when many posts become inaccessible due to snow. By using civil helicopters instead of military or Indian Air Force aircraft, the Army aims to reduce costs and preserve its combat aviation fleet for critical missions.
Helicopters under this contract will operate from seven bases in Ladakh, two in Kashmir, and one in Jammu, supplying 44 forward posts with essential items such as food, fuel, and medical supplies. This operation leverages India’s Border Area Development and PM Gati Shakti initiatives, showcasing civil aviation’s ability to operate in previously inaccessible areas.
The civil aviation service provider will manage the entire logistics operation, ensuring operational efficiency and allowing the Army’s military helicopters to focus on more pressing combat and emergency roles.
This contract also demonstrates the growing integration of civil and military capabilities in India’s border regions.
Infrastructure improvements in these remote areas not only bolster military logistics but also open new opportunities for local economic development and tourism.
The civil aviation assets used in this initiative can be repurposed for military needs during wartime contingencies, enhancing India’s strategic preparedness.
Looking ahead, the Indian Army plans to expand this model to other critical regions such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the North-East.
The initiative is expected to improve logistics in these high-altitude regions and stimulate tourism, aligning with the government’s vision of promoting tourism as an engine for economic growth.
The increased connectivity and infrastructure development will also generate local jobs and boost regional economies.
This initiative underscores the importance of civil-military synergy in addressing logistics challenges in India’s most difficult terrains. It sets a new standard for how the Army can maintain operational readiness in remote regions while simultaneously contributing to local development.
Through such collaborations, India is ensuring that its border posts are not only operational but also thriving year-round.