Safety and security of the country is Government’s top priority and all efforts are being made to safeguard its unity and integrity,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while addressing a conclave organised to commemorate 60 years of Chetak helicopter’s service to the Nation.
The conclave was organised by the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station, Hakimpet in Hyderabad. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhuri, senior retired & serving officers of the helicopter stream from the three services and officials of Ministry of Defence, Indian Coast Guard & Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) were present on the occasion.
Rajnath Singh described the conclave as a fitting tribute to those who have served the Nation with hard work and dedication. Paying his respects to this invaluable contribution, he said, “Whenever a country fights a war for the safety and security, it is not just the Armed Forces who take part. The whole nation fights that war. The scientists, engineers and technicians of organisations like HAL, who develop helicopters like ‘Chetak’ and other platforms, play an equally important role as our soldiers. Lakhs of employees and workers associated with MSMEs also contribute by supplying parts to these projects. This conclave celebrates the hard work and dedication of all of them”.
Comparing ‘Chetak’ named horse of Rajput king Rana Pratap, Rajnath Singh described ‘Chetak’ helicopter as not just a machine, but a vibrant & dedicated entity which has been continuously engaged in the service of the nation for the last six decades and has set an example for others. He noted that nearly 700 Chetaks manufactured so far have served the nation in war and peace with full dedication, describing its multi-service employment as a shining example of jointness.
Elaborating on the capabilities of the helicopter, the Raksha Mantri said, “’Chetak’ has proved its mettle in the battlefield by targeting enemies with accuracy and successfully landing troops. It has also helped in delivering essential logistics. It has saved precious lives through its evacuation efforts in case of emergency. On the occasion, Rajnath SIngh released a Special Cover, a Coffee Table Book and a Commemorative Movie on Chetak Helicopters
