Chandigarh, August 24

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) largest helicopter maintenance and overhaul establishment No.3 Base Repair Deport (BRD) in Chandigarh has been adjudged the best repair depot among 13 such depots of the IAF.

The trophy for the best BRD was presented by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa to the Air Officer Commanding, 3 BRD, Air Commodore Sanjiv Ghuratia at the Commanders’ Conference – 2019 held at the Maintenance Command Headquarters in Nagpur.

The Air Chief highlighted the significant role played by the Maintenance Command, presently headed by Air Marshal RKS Shera, in meticulous management of the vast and varied inventory of the Air Force.

Appreciating new initiatives by the Command to keep pace with the rapidly changing technological scenario and induction of new aircraft and systems, he underscored the vital role played by the engineers in keeping the IAF combat ready and emphasised the importance of team. Lauding the efforts of the Maintenance Command in supporting other combat commands in maintaining high state of operational readiness at all times, the Air Chief exhorted them to keep upgrading their skills in the fast-changing technological environment.

Set up in 1962, 3 BRD is responsible for the repair, maintenance and overhaul of Soviet and Russian origin helicopters as well as AN-32 aero-engines in the IAF’s service. Besides aircraft modifications and fleet upgrade projects, it is also actively involved in the indigenisation of aerospares. — TNS