| No. 128 Helicopter Unit | |
|---|---|
| Active | 30 December 1985 - Present |
| Country |  Republic of India |
| Branch |  Indian Air Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Mohanbari AFS |
| Nickname(s) | "Siachen Tigers" |
| Motto(s) | Apatsu Mitram A friend in time of need |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | Mi-17 |
No. 128 Helicopter Unit (Siachen Tigers) is a Helicopter Unit and is equipped with Mil Mi-17 and based at Mohanbari Air Force Station. [1]
This HU was formed on 30 December 1985 at Hindon Air Force Station became the second unit to operate the Mi-17. From Hindon they moved to Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, where they won the 'Best Helicopter Unit Trophy' in 1986. In March 1988 they moved to Chabua and from there onto their present location in May 1992.
On occasions they have also been called upon to perform VIP duties for Eastern Air Command and have also been required to provide search and rescue coverage for fighters operating in the area. This unit has a dedicated wartime role as well, which involves the induction of troops behind enemy lines. [2]
The unit has actively participated in the following:
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Operation Meghdoot was the codename for the Indian Armed Forces' operation to seize control of the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir, precipitating the Siachen conflict. Executed in the morning of 13 April 1984 in the highest battlefield in the world, Meghdoot was the first military offensive of its kind. The operation preempted Pakistan's impending Operation Ababeel and was a success, resulting in Indian forces gaining control of the Siachen Glacier in its entirety.
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No. 126 Helicopter Flight (Featherweights) is a helicopter squadron and is equipped with Mil Mi-26 and based at Chandigarh Air Force Station. It received the first four Boeing CH-47 Chinook in service on 25 March 2019.
No. 112 Helicopter Unit (Thoroughbreds) is a Helicopter Unit and is equipped with Mil Mi-8 based at Yelahanka AFS.
No. 127 Helicopter Unit is a Helicopter Unit and is equipped with Mil Mi-17 and based at Mohanbari AFS.
No. 129 Helicopter Unit is a Helicopter Unit and is equipped with Mil Mi-17 and based at Hindon Air Force Station.
No. 130 Helicopter Unit (Condors) is a Helicopter Unit and is equipped with Mil Mi-17 and based at Leh Air Force Station.
No. 152 Helicopter Unit is a helicopter unit equipped with the Mil Mi-17 and based at Sarsawa Air Force Station.
No. 153 Helicopter Unit is a Helicopter Unit and is equipped with Mil Mi-17 and based at Udhampur Air Force Station.
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