New fleet of choppers to strengthen Aviation Corps

Encouraging commercial pilots to join the Army Aviation Corps, Lt Gen VK Ahluwalia, general officer commanding-in-chief of Central Command, and Colonel Commandant of the corps, said that in the near future, the army’s air combat arm would be one of the strongest forces with modern equipment and training.
He was speaking after awarding the coveted wings to 34 officers at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CATS) in Nashik on Tuesday.

An impressive passing out parade was held, attended by families of officers and the army fraternity at the Gandhinagar airfield of CATS. The officers demonstrated their capabilities and strengths of the helicopters.

The aviators had completed 13 months’ arduous training, which began in July with the pre-army pilots course at CATS, after which they proceeded to basic flying training school of the Indian Air Force in Allahabad.

They also trained at the Rotary Wing Academy (HAL) in Bangalore on helicopters and were back at CATS to undergo advanced training in aviation.

Ahluwalia said, “It is most difficult to get this position because of the long arduous journey. However, this is just the beginning.” He reminded them of the glorious past of the Army Aviation Corps that has won many gallantry honours and distinguished service awards. He told them that as aviators, their job will be challenging in areas of Sikkim, Uttarakhand and north-eastern states.

Hinting at the revamping of the corps, Ahluwalia said, “By 2027, the Army Aviation Corps will acquire a wide variety of aviation assets. The Cheetah and Chetaks will be replaced by medium and light helicopters.”

Along with new equipment, provision is being made for training on simulators, he said, adding that trials of some helicopters are under way and the process of acquisition will be fair and
transparent.