The Indian Air Force (IAF) undertook a massive operational effort to support the conduct of the recent General Elections in 2024, according to a Defence Spokesperson.
In a statement, the Spokesperson highlighted the IAF’s critical role in airlifting electronic voting machines and Election Commission personnel to even the most remote areas of the country.
“The Transport and Helicopter fleets of the IAF undertake varied war and peacetime tasks,” the Spokesperson said. “During the General Elections-2024, substantial flying effort has taken place over the last few months by the medium lift helicopters, light utility helicopters, and the indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters Dhruv.” The Spokesperson revealed that the IAF flew over 1,000 hours in more than 1,750 sorties across five of the seven phases of the General Elections. This “herculean task,” as described, was achieved through close coordination with the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioners of various states.
“IAF has been actively involved with the task of airlifting electronic voting machines and deploying Election Commission personnel on election duties, as has been carried out during previous General/Assembly elections,” the statement read. “During General Elections 2024, IAF played a pivotal role in extending the reach of ECI into remote corners of the country and to places where movement by road was a security concern.” According to the Spokesperson, the IAF’s mission was time-critical, as polling officers had to be positioned at each remote polling station within two days prior to the election date and evacuated on the day of polling. Helicopter assets from the Indian Army and Border Security Force were also integrated into the overall plan to ensure the smooth conduct of the General Elections-2024. The IAFs substantial involvement in the electoral process underscores its commitment to nation-building activities and providing aid to civil authorities when required.
