Indian Air Force 114 Helicopter Unit better known as the “Siachen Pioneers” has been honored with “RWSI Humanitarian Service Award 2022”, a defence ministry spokesman said.
The 114 HU is a premiere helicopter unit of the Indian Air Force based at Air Force Station Leh. The unit is one its kind in the world, operating Cheetal helicopters and specialised in high altitude operations above 18,000 ft.
Besides supporting ground troops deployed in the Siachen Glacier and Eastern Ladakh, the unit is the singular lifeline for the civil populace of Ladakh residing in remote and far flung areas.
The unit has saved more than 7,200 lives and counting so far in various operations.
The 114 HU was awarded the “RWSI Humanitarian Service Award 2022” at a ceremony in Mumbai in the presence of the entire Indian helicopter industry for its stellar role in epitomising the spirit of helicopter operations.