Army awaits nod for aviation brigade
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 4
The Indian Army’s request for having attack helicopters in its arsenal has yet again faced opposition. Such copters, for now, are operated by Indian Air Force pilots. The Army Aviation Corps, which was formed in November 1987, flies light helicopters in mountainous regions.
The capability to carry out heavy airlift operations and conduct flights in attack formations are handled by the IAF.
The Army’s demand was brought up at a high-level review meeting convened by Defence Minister AK Antony on July 2.
“It was discussed, but no decision has been taken - at the moment - to allocate combat helicopters to the Army,” a source said.
Sources said the Army had made out a strong case citing the example of neighbouring China. “The Army has once again pressed for it. Now, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has to take a call.
“Such matters need a political call as the IAF would naturally not want to relinquish its role in attack copters,” source said.
The Army believes that the way to counter China’s deployment of tanks in the flat Tibetan plateau is by deploying attack helicopters flown by its pilots.
The mountainous and rugged terrain on India’s northern and western borders allows no space for operations of mechanised forces. On the Chinese side, the plateau is flat and open making it fit for such movement.
To counter China, India needs air-transported operations and the ideal equipment to do it are helicopters — capable of lift and assault roles.
China formed its Army Aviation brigade in April 1988 - some five months after India - by transferring all helicopters from its air force. The move was in consonance with all major modern armies in the world.
The Indian Army, in its argument to the MoD, has stated that Army pilots have better comprehension of ground operations and they work within the operational philosophy of the ground forces.
why the NEED
Better coordination between ground and air operations
Countering China on the Tibetan plateauClick here
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 4
The Indian Army’s request for having attack helicopters in its arsenal has yet again faced opposition. Such copters, for now, are operated by Indian Air Force pilots. The Army Aviation Corps, which was formed in November 1987, flies light helicopters in mountainous regions.
The capability to carry out heavy airlift operations and conduct flights in attack formations are handled by the IAF.
The Army’s demand was brought up at a high-level review meeting convened by Defence Minister AK Antony on July 2.
“It was discussed, but no decision has been taken - at the moment - to allocate combat helicopters to the Army,” a source said.
Sources said the Army had made out a strong case citing the example of neighbouring China. “The Army has once again pressed for it. Now, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has to take a call.
“Such matters need a political call as the IAF would naturally not want to relinquish its role in attack copters,” source said.
The Army believes that the way to counter China’s deployment of tanks in the flat Tibetan plateau is by deploying attack helicopters flown by its pilots.
The mountainous and rugged terrain on India’s northern and western borders allows no space for operations of mechanised forces. On the Chinese side, the plateau is flat and open making it fit for such movement.
To counter China, India needs air-transported operations and the ideal equipment to do it are helicopters — capable of lift and assault roles.
China formed its Army Aviation brigade in April 1988 - some five months after India - by transferring all helicopters from its air force. The move was in consonance with all major modern armies in the world.
The Indian Army, in its argument to the MoD, has stated that Army pilots have better comprehension of ground operations and they work within the operational philosophy of the ground forces.
why the NEED
Better coordination between ground and air operations
Countering China on the Tibetan plateauClick here
ARMY IS MEANT FOR GROUND ROLE. HELICOPTERS FOR RECEE, PARA DROP,MEDICAL AID EXTRA IS OK TO BOOST ARMY. AS FAR ATTACK HELICOPTERS IT SHOULD REMAIN WITH AIR FORCE. HAS ANY ONE SEEN EFFECT OF DUPLICATION OF HELICOPTERS WITH AIR FORCE & ARMY. COST OF MAINTENANCE/SPARES OIL & LUBRICANT EXTRA. OVER & ABOVE COST OF MAINTENANCE OF ADDITIONAL ORGANISATION. AIR FORCE DOES NOT REQUIRE ATTACK HELICOPTERS FOR ITS OWN USE ,THEY ARE MEANT FOR ARMY. SO NO NEED TO BUILD EMPIRE. ONLY ONE AGENCY SHOULD HOLD ATTACK HELICOPTER EITHER AIR FORCE[ YES] OR ARMY[NO]. MOREOVER ARMY CANNOT DO ALL TASK THEMSELVES[ ARMY DOES NOT GIVE COMMAND OF A BRIGADE/ DIV/CORPS/COMD TO SERVICES. IN INFANTARY/ ARMOURED BRAIN WAVE THEY CAN CONTROL EVERY THING & SPECIALIST[ EME/ORD/ASC/AEC ARE NOT CAPABLE, BUT THEY HAVE TO PASS ALL TESTS FOR PROMOTION SPECIAL TO INFANTARY LIKE PART-B/PART-C/PART-D & STAFF COLLEGE. SO HOW CAN THEY ASK FAR ATTACK HELICOPTERS MAINTENANCE/DEPLOYMENT/UP KEEP/USE.
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