The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a crucial role in the General Elections of 2024, undertaking a variety of tasks to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process. The IAF’s transport and helicopter fleets were engaged in both peacetime and wartime duties, and for the elections, their role was pivotal in nation-building activities.
The IAF’s medium lift helicopters (Mi-17 variants), light utility helicopters (Chetaks), and indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv were heavily utilized. These aircrafts were instrumental in airlifting electronic voting machines and deploying Election Commission of India (ECI) personnel to remote and inaccessible areas. The IAF’s involvement was critical in extending the reach of the ECI to the farthest corners of the country, particularly to areas where road movement was impractical or unsafe.
The time-bound nature of the elections required precise coordination. Polling officers needed to be positioned at remote polling stations two days before the election and de-inducted on the day of polling. The IAF’s commitment to this task was demonstrated by its performance in five of the seven election phases, where it flew over 1,000 hours in more than 1,750 sorties.
Achieving this required close coordination with the ECI and the Chief Election Commissioners (CECs) of various states. Nodal officers were appointed to optimize the utilization of assets, considering factors like security, weather, and road connectivity. Additionally, helicopter assets from the Indian Army (IA) and the Border Security Force (BSF) were integrated into the overall plan, ensuring the smooth conduct of the General Elections-2024.
The IAF’s efforts in supporting the electoral process underscore its role in not just national defence but also in nation-building and aiding civil power during crucial times.
