The practice of escorting a VVIP helicopter—such as those carrying heads of state, prime ministers, or presidents—with two additional helicopters constitutes a globally recognized, multi-layered security protocol. It integrates decoy tactics, aerial surveillance, operational redundancy, and deterrence measures, and closely aligns with established protection doctrines employed in high-threat environments.
This formation is particularly prominent in the United States for Marine One (the presidential helicopter), where up to five identical helicopters often fly together. They constantly shift positions during takeoff and flight to obscure which one carries the VIP, making it extremely difficult for attackers (e.g., using surface-to-air missiles) to target the correct aircraft. This decoy strategy reduces the odds of a successful strike significantly.
Similar approaches appear in other nations’ VIP/VVIP operations, where multiple identical or similar helicopters provide deception, airborne overwatch, and backup capabilities.
Key Reasons for the Two-Escort Formation based on real-world security practices:
- Decoy and Confusion for Threat Mitigation
The primary goal is to create uncertainty for potential attackers. Identical helicopters flying in formation (often manoeuvering to swap positions) make it nearly impossible to identify the VVIP-carrying one in real time. This is especially effective against ground-based threats like MANPADS (man-portable air-defense systems) or drones. Post-9/11, this has become a core tactic in presidential helicopter movements.
- Airborne Surveillance and Threat Detection
Escort helicopters are typically equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and personnel to monitor the flight path, airspace, and ground for anomalies (e.g., unauthorized drones, suspicious vehicles, or crowds). They provide real-time intelligence and can respond immediately if a threat emerges.
- Redundancy and Emergency Backup
Aviation reliability is critical for VVIPs. If the primary helicopter experiences mechanical issues, weather challenges, or needs to divert, the escorts can:
- Facilitate rapid transfer or evacuation of the VVIP,
- Offer medical/rescue support, or
- Serve as an alternate platform to continue the mission safely.
This “fail-safe” layer is essential in high-stakes operations.
- Operational Flexibility and Route Security
Escorts can scout ahead, monitor alternate routes, or adjust formations dynamically based on intelligence updates. This is vital for short-notice changes or in complex terrains.
- Psychological and Visible Deterrence
A multi-helicopter formation visibly demonstrates robust protection, discouraging adversaries while reassuring the public and allies of the government’s preparedness.
- Integrated Command and Communication
Escorts often function as airborne relays, coordinating with ground security, air traffic control, and other agencies for seamless, real-time oversight.
Context for India
In India, VVIP movements are presently supported by retrofitted Mi-17V5 helicopters operated by the Indian Air Force’s Air Headquarters Communication Squadron (Pegasus), based at Palam Air Force Station, New Delhi. ¹ The Mi-17V5 is an advanced medium-lift, twin-engine multi-role helicopter developed by Russia’s Mil Design Bureau (now Russian Helicopters). Powered by VK-2500 engines and equipped with a glass cockpit, multi-function displays, enhanced night-flying and high-altitude performance, and onboard weather radar, it is well suited to India’s diverse operational environment. ²
India inducted approximately 151 Mi-17V5 helicopters between 2011 and 2016.³ Following the cancellation of the AgustaWestland AW-101 VVIP helicopter contract in 2013, a limited number of these platforms—initially around five to six, with plans reportedly extending to about sixteen—were modified for VVIP roles.⁴ The upgrades include improved cabin interiors with sound insulation and climate control, secure communication systems, defensive aids such as missile approach warning systems and countermeasures, and additional armour protection, as reported in open-source defence analyses and parliamentary disclosures.⁵
These retrofitted Mi-17V5 helicopters now constitute the primary rotary-wing platform for short-to-medium-range VVIP travel within India, while long-range international journeys are undertaken by fixed-wing aircraft such as the Boeing 777-300ER designated “Air India One.” ⁶ Operational deployment of these helicopters continues, as reflected in publicly reported incidents such as the minor helipad subsidence during President of India’s visit to Kerala in October 2025.⁷
Although India is pursuing the indigenous Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) programme—a 12–13 tonne class helicopter with a projected prototype rollout around 2028 and induction in the early 2030s—the retrofitted Mi-17V5 remains the backbone of India’s current VVIP helicopter fleet. ⁸
While public details on exact escort formations are limited for operational security, the principles above apply universally in high-threat scenarios. The SPG and IAF emphasize layered protection, including advance reconnaissance and contingency planning. Ongoing efforts to acquire modern VVIP helicopters (with features like missile defense) reflect the need for enhanced security in evolving threat environments, including drones and asymmetric risks.
In summary, the two accompanying helicopters are not ceremonial—they form a resilient protective envelope built on decades of lessons from global security operations. This multi-platform approach prioritizes deception, redundancy, and rapid response, ensuring the VVIP’s safety remains paramount in an era of sophisticated threats.
Conclusion
In contemporary VVIP aviation security, the use of two escort helicopters alongside the principal aircraft reflects a mature, intelligence-driven protection philosophy rather than ceremonial excess. By combining deception, airborne surveillance, operational redundancy, and rapid response capability, this formation creates a layered protective envelope that significantly reduces vulnerability to both conventional and asymmetric threats.
Global practices—from Marine One operations in the United States to VVIP movements in India—demonstrate that no single platform can guarantee safety in high-threat environments. Instead, resilience lies in coordinated multi-platform deployment, advance reconnaissance, and seamless inter-agency communication. As threat vectors continue to evolve—particularly with the proliferation of drones and portable missile systems—the two-escort helicopter doctrine remains a critical pillar in ensuring that VVIP air travel is secure, adaptive, and mission-assured.
References
- Indian Air Force official communications and Ministry of Defence press releases
- Manufacturer specifications released by Russian Helicopters
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports and parliamentary replies on defence acquisitions
- Ministry of Defence statements following AW-101 contract cancellation
- Open-source defence journals and strategic affairs analyses
- Government of India disclosures on “Air India One” fleet
- Contemporary media reports citing official clarifications
- HAL and MoD public briefings on the IMRH programme
