Diamond Jubilee Year of 114 Helicopter Unit - The Longest-serving Operational Unit in the IAF
Picture Credits: The Economic TimesThe 114 Helicopter Unit, also known as the Siachen Pioneers, was founded on 1 April 1964 in Leh, making it the first permanent Indian Air Force (IAF) unit in the region. This year marks its Diamond Jubilee Year. It is the longest-serving operational unit in the IAF and has faced various challenges, including harsh weather, enemy fire, and losses during peace.
In 1965, during the India-Pakistan war, the unit was engaged in casualty evacuation and mercy missions, as well as VIP sorties and intelligence-gathering missions. Between 1965 and 1971, the unit's establishment grew to ten helicopters, including a detachment at Baramulla that gave aerial access to the Haji Pir area. During the 1971 war, the unit performed casualty evacuation and mercy missions in Kargil and Uri sectors while facing enemy fire. The unit earned two Vir Chakras, and some of its Chetaks were equipped with the AS-11B Anti-Tank guided Missile after the war. In 1984, the Indian Army formally flagged off Operation Meghdoot to secure Siachen, and the 114 Helicopter Unit played a significant role in the operation, inducting troops and dropping supplies. The unit has earned unprecedented laurels for daring rescue missions, including a record five Shaurya Chakras. The unit also became a Cheetah-only unit in 1987. The Siachen Pioneers remain the avant-garde of helicopter flying.