COMMERCIAL INTEGRATION OF EVTOLS FOR HIGH-ALTITUDE MILITARY OPERATIONS

Indian Army faces an extreme logistical and connectivity challenges in its high-altitude border zones which have been traditionally dependent on animal transport and helicopters. But increasing needs at the border, limited numbers of high-altitude helicopters, and physiological impact on soldiers have demanded for an essential change. In this context, the paper examines the prospects of integrating Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircrafts into the military logistics of India’s alpine regions. By adopting a mixed methodology, it compares DGCA directives to AGSQs and calculates lift to power ratios at eighteen thousand feet. The results suggest that despite lacking a High-Altitude Supplement, these aircraft with synthetic vision systems, - 40 degree Celsius cold start capability and private 5G sub ten milliseconds edge networks are capable of addressing weather warfare concerns. Moreover, transitioning from traditional fleets to those running on clean energy sources is consistent with Net Zero policies both in India and worldwide. Thereby, allowing Ministry of Defence to designate these aircraft Green Strategic Assets.