The ministry of home affairs (MHA) will be expanding its air wing that caters to the central paramilitary forces like Cobra and CRPF which are involved in anti-Maoist operations. The MHA is trying to procure both fixed wing and rotary aircraft for its air wing. It has called tenders for consultancy and strategic planning to induct these aircraft smoothly and manage human resources like pilots and engineering support.

It has also decided to set up air bases and other related infrastructure of its own across the country. The consultants will be finalised after February 21. Till now the ministry has been managing the air assault with the help of the Border Security Force’s air wing. The state police will also benefit from this move of the MHA as it is struggling to use the choppers in anti-Maoist operations.

“Due to expansion of the forces and for effective policing on the international borders, there is a need to expand the air wing and rework the overall management of air support arm of the MHA. It will be restricted for carrying troops in anti-Maoist operations. The focus will be on Kashmir, the northeast and the borders,” said an official.

MHA’s air wing is likely to be independent from the BSF. Around 10 choppers of BSF are now being used in Maoist affected states. MHA is likely to procure around 20 new helicopters and 10 aircraft. Paramilitary forces like the Cobra, ITBP and Seema Sahastra Bal which are deployed at international borders and Maoist affected areas have been seeking their own choppers and aircraft to transport personnel. The National Security Guards who are involved in anti-terror operations have to request the civil aviation department or the Army for dropping personnel by air. It was decided to give dedicated aircraft and choppers to NSG to rush its commandos in case of terror attacks. “The MHA air wing will help us in logistics,” a state police official said.