NEW DELHI: The Army’s Combat Engineering Wing, in collaboration with the Air Force, deployed a pontoon assault bridge using Chinook heavy-lift helicopters during a joint exercise in the western sector, demonstrating synergy between different branches of the armed forces.The Army’s Western Command said onThis joint exercise showcases the increased operational cohesion and “jointness” between the Indian Air Force and Army. The deployment enhances Western Command’s ability to quickly cross rivers and canals in the operational area. Operation Bridge enhances the Army’s ability to cross bodies of water using heavy bridges critical to offensive operations.Chinook helicopters were used for deployment, demonstrating their versatility in military operations. The Chinook helicopter purchased by the United States is capable of transporting up to 11 tons of cargo or 45 soldiers and is designed for high-altitude operations in the Himalayas. Its main lifting capabilities include transporting heavy artillery (such as the M777 ultra-light howitzer) and underslung loads weighing up to 10 tons.The pontoon assault bridge is composed of multiple segments and is a key equipment for fast and heavy-duty river crossing operations.In addition to operational uses, this capability would also be useful during natural disasters to quickly install temporary pontoons to improve access for Army and other relief agencies in affected areas.
