Civil chopper supports Navy operations during MILAN

As warships and frontline aircraft took center stage at the International Fleet Review–MILAN 2026, the Indian Navy relied on a civilian helicopter to manage essential logistics and personnel transport.

The Navy’s operational fleet, including the MH-60R Seahawk, Sea King, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), and Chetak, was deployed for combat, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions. Alongside them, a civilian AW139 helicopter performed non-military duties.

The twin-engine AW139, built by Italian aerospace group Leonardo, was inducted on 15 February to support non-operational requirements. During MILAN, it conducted multiple sorties transporting civilians and visiting delegations, and moved light cargo and supplies between naval facilities.

Officials said the helicopter operated logistics shuttles between INS Dega and INS Vikrant and ferried selected passengers associated with the fleet review. A senior naval officer said the aircraft had been contracted for up to 240 flying hours a year through Global Vectra, allowing frontline combat helicopters to remain focused on operational tasks.

Sources indicated that agreements have been signed to position one such civilian helicopter each with the Eastern Naval Command and Western Naval Command, with the Eastern Command being the first to receive it. The aircraft is now engaged in routine logistics and liaison work along the eastern seaboard, and its deployment may be extended depending on operational requirements.

The Navy is also pursuing several helicopter procurement programmes and plans to induct larger multirole platforms in the coming years to further strengthen its aviation capabilities.