In a significant display of skill and tactical excellence, the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) in Bakloh executed a high-intensity Helocasting exercise from CH-47 Chinook helicopters on October 22 and 23. This operation represents a crucial advancement in enhancing the water-borne infiltration capabilities of India’s elite Special Forces.
Helocasting is a highly demanding technique used globally by Special Operations Forces, involving personnel jumping from helicopters directly into water to stealthily access enemy territory. Referred to as the “silent warriors” of the Indian Army, the SFTS operatives conducted multiple helocasting runs from the heavy-lift CH-47 Chinook helicopter, operated by the Indian Air Force.
The exercise simulated infiltrations into hostile environments, where commandos were tasked with securing high-value targets while maintaining utmost stealth and speed. This rigorous training focused on bolstering participants’ expertise in maritime and riverine operations, emphasizing both physical endurance and mental acuity under intense conditions.
Over the two-day period, participants showcased remarkable professionalism and team coordination, executing their insertions with precision. The training drills included components such as underwater navigation, recovery operations, and mock raids on simulated enemy positions, all of which underscored the high stakes involved in such operations.
A senior instructor at SFTS commented on the intricacies of Helocasting, stating, “It demands more than courage — it requires precision, timing, and absolute trust between men and machine. It’s where courage dives deeper than the depth itself.” This highlights the profound challenges involved in executing such complex maneuvers.
The Special Forces Training School, situated in the picturesque Dhauladhar ranges of Himachal Pradesh, remains pivotal in molding India’s most elite soldiers—those trained specifically for unconventional warfare, counter-terrorism, and clandestine operations.
By adopting advanced insertion techniques like Helocasting and integrating them with modern aerial platforms such as the CH-47 Chinook, the Indian Army’s Special Forces continuously enhance their capacity to operate effectively across various environments—land, air, and sea.
The recent exercise revalidated the unparalleled readiness and adaptability of India’s Special Forces, encapsulated in their ethos: “The task before us is always greater than the means at hand, but we shall overcome.” This commitment to excellence and operational readiness positions them as a formidable force on the global stage.
