Army Aviation Corps The youngest corps of the Indian Army’s – Burning Issues – Free PDF Download

Why in News?

• The Army Aviation Corps (AAC), the youngest Corps of the Indian Army, celebrated its 35th Corps Day on November 1.

History of Army Aviation Corps (AAC)

• The origin of the AAC can be traced back to the raising of the Army Aviation wing of the Royal Air Force in India in 1942, and the subsequent formation of the first Indian Air Observation Post in August 1947.
• The Corps was raised as a separate formation on November 1 in 1986.

Composition

• The AAC now draws its officers and men from all arms of the Army, including a significant number from the artillery.

Operation Pawan

• Immediately after raising, the units of the Corps were pressed into action in Operation Pawan by the Indian Peacekeeping Forces, in the mostly jungle areas of Sri Lanka against the Tamil Tigers.
• This was the first operation conducted by AAC.
• Ever since, AAC helicopters have been an inseparable part of fighting formations in all major conflict scenarios, and a life-saving asset in peace times.

AAC Fleet

• Initially, AAC operated non-weaponised helicopters and attack helicopters were only with the Air Force.
• But post 2012, the government has allowed induction of weaponised choppers in the AAC.

AAC Fleet

• The Indian Army has sharpened the AAC edge by adding dedicated aviation units along with the various operational Corps and Command formations.
• The AAC currently operates Chetak, Cheetah, Lancer, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, and ALH Weapon System Integrated (WSI), also known as Rudra.
• Acquisition of new helicopters is in the pipeline, especially in the backdrop of concerns over the fleet of the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.

Role of AAC Helicopters

• Live-saving roles
• reconnaissance, observation, casualty evacuation, essential load drops, combat search and rescue, thereby adding an invaluable air dimension to the Army’s capabilities.
• participate in Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in peace times.
• medical evacuation flights

Role of AAC Helicopters

Battle roles

• act as Airborne Command Posts, replacing the ground command posts if needed.
• ideal choice for CT-CI operations (Counter Terrorism – Counterinsurgency Operations) to tackle difficult terrains, and also avoid ground-based threats like Improvised Explosive Devices and ambushes.

President’s Colours

• Last year, President Ram Nath Kovind presented the President’s Colours to the Army Aviation Corps in a ceremonial parade held at Army Aviation Base at Nashik Road.
• The colours were received by the Combat Army Aviation Training School on behalf of the Army Aviation Corps.

About the President’s Colours

•  It is a ceremonial flag awarded to military units or institutions as symbol of their excellence, and as recognition of their contributions both during war and peace.

Conclusion

• With the motto Suveg and Sudridh (Swift and Sure), the youngest corps of the Indian Army is set to further grow in its tactical importance in the battlefield.
• Serving officers and veterans from the Corps say that the corps will need a stronger push of modernisation and enhancement of assault capabilities to take further its role of ‘force multiplier.’

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