Mi-24 Attack Helicopters To Afghanistan

  • 16 May 2019

Why is it in News?

India on 16th May handed over two Mi-24 attack helicopters to Afghanistan. These helicopters are a replacement for the four attack helicopters gifted by India to Afghanistan in 2015. Two more will be supplied to the Afghan Air Force (AAF). The helicopters were purchased from Belarus.

The Agreement:

  • The Mi-24 helicopters shall boost the capability of the AAF and enhance the effectiveness of the Afghan National Defence and Security Force in combating terrorism.
  • Under a tripartite agreement, India has agreed to purchase the attack helicopters from Belarus and supply them to Afghanistan.
  • Earlier, India had gifted four Mi-24 attack helicopters drawn from the inventory of the Indian Air Force and three Cheetal utility helicopters manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • India has been one of the largest donors to Afghanistan and has committed $3 billion in aid since 2001.