Brigadier Gurdeep Singh Discusses Challenges of High-Altitude Aviation in Ladakh
Leh (Ladakh) [India], September 22: The Indian Army’s top aviation officer, Brigadier Gurdeep Singh, shared the difficulties faced by aviators and technicians operating at high altitudes in Ladakh. He explained that flying at high altitudes is challenging due to rugged terrain, lack of oxygen, and sub-zero temperatures, which affect both men and equipment.
Brigadier Singh stated, “We provide aviation support not only to the troops deployed in Siachen Glacier but to the entire Ladakh. The temperature in winters drops to -50 degrees, especially at high altitudes, which become challenging for both men and the equipment. Training technical staff to handle the task is also a challenge here.”
He emphasized the continuous need to train aviators for working in these extreme conditions, as most are not initially trained for high-altitude operations. “Aviators who get posted here are already trained. But most of them have not operated at high altitudes, so it’s a continuous process to train them in the area, that is, 20,000 feet and beyond,” he said.
Brigadier Singh also highlighted the increasing participation of women in the army, noting that women officers are becoming an integral part of the Indian Army and aviation. “We have women as engineering officers and logistics officers, and recently they are also flying the helicopter,” he added.
Discussing the types of helicopters used, Singh mentioned reconnaissance and observation helicopters like Cheetal, which are used for surveillance and various tasks such as troop induction and medical evacuation. He also noted the army’s role in supporting civil administration, citing their involvement in the Lok Sabha election and a recent rescue operation following a bus accident.
Doubts Revealed
Brigadier -: A Brigadier is a high-ranking officer in the army. They are responsible for leading and managing large groups of soldiers.
Gurdeep Singh -: Gurdeep Singh is a person who works in the Indian Army. He is an important officer who knows a lot about flying helicopters and planes in tough places.
High-Altitude Aviation -: High-Altitude Aviation means flying planes or helicopters in places that are very high up, like mountains. It is harder because there is less oxygen and it is very cold.
Ladakh -: Ladakh is a region in India known for its high mountains and cold weather. It is a very beautiful but tough place to live and work.
Rugged Terrain -: Rugged Terrain means land that is very uneven and rough. It has lots of rocks, hills, and mountains, making it hard to travel.
Lack of Oxygen -: Lack of Oxygen means there is not enough air to breathe easily. This happens in high places like mountains, making it hard for people and machines to work.
Sub-Zero Temperatures -: Sub-Zero Temperatures mean it is very, very cold, below 0 degrees Celsius. It can make it hard for machines to work and for people to stay warm.
Aviators -: Aviators are people who fly airplanes or helicopters. They need special training to fly safely, especially in tough places like mountains.
Technicians -: Technicians are people who fix and take care of machines, like airplanes and helicopters. They make sure everything works properly.
Civil Administration -: Civil Administration means the people and offices that help run a city or region. They make sure everything is organized and working well for the people living there.
Rescue Operations -: Rescue Operations are missions to save people who are in danger or trouble. The army often helps in these missions, especially in tough places like mountains.
