US Army Bans Chinook Fleet, IAF Seeks Details From Boeing On Fleet Grounding
According to US media reports, the US military has stopped its entire fleet of CH-47 Chinook helicopters due to an engine fire.
The Indian Air Force has sought details from US defense manufacturer Boeing about the reasons for the shutdown of the US Army's entire fleet of Chinook helicopters.
The IAF (Indian Air Force) operates its fleet of 15 Boeing-built Chinook helicopters, which were acquired from the US and were inducted into service in March 2019.
When asked about the grounding of the US Army fleet, government officials told ANI that the Indian Air Force's Chinook helicopter fleet is still operational. India has sought details of the reasons why the entire fleet of Chinook CH-47 helicopters of the US Army has been shut down due to engine fire.
According to US media reports, the US military has stopped its entire fleet of CH-47 Chinook helicopters due to an engine fire.
The Wall Street Journal quoted US military officials as saying they were aware of a small number of engine fires with helicopters and that no one was killed or injured as a result of the incidents.
The Indian fleet of Chinook helicopters is based out of Chandigarh for operations in the north, while another unit is based in Assam to look after the northeastern regions.
About 400 helicopters in the army's fleet
Grounding Chinook helicopters for US troops could present logistical challenges, depending on how long the order lasts. The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, said the grounding was targeted at some Boeing Co and took effect within the past 24 hours. One of the US officials said that there are about 400 helicopters in the army fleet.
A US military spokesman said that the safety of our soldiers is the first priority of the military and we will ensure that our aircraft remain safe and flyable.
