Significance of women to be inducted as pilots in the Army Aviation Corps
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New Delhi, Jan 18: The Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane informed on January 12 that women will be inducted as pilots in the Army Aviation Corps from 2022. Till now, women have only been part of ground duties in the Army Aviation Corps. However, this decision will now help them to fly helicopters to forward locations and partake in border operations.
This has gained a major significance as currently, the women serve in the Indian Army's Aviation Corps only as a part of the ground duties. General Naravane informed that the proposal has been cleared.
In the Indian Air Force (IAF), there are 10 women fighter pilots while in the Indian Navy women pilots have been flying the Dornier aircraft and area also observers on P81 surveillance aircraft and board helicopters. Other than the 10 women fighter pilots, IAF also has 111 women pilots who fly choppers and transport planes. However, there was no such provision in the Indian Army.
Recruitment of women for Army Aviation:
In December 2020, General Naravane informed that he had initiated a proposal that women officers can be recruited for the Army Aviation. Following this decision, it is understood that the next course which will be starting in July 2021, will induct women for training purposes in the flying branch of the Indian Army. After one year of training, they will be able to join in the operational duties.
Significance of Aviation Corps in Indian Army:
- It undertakes the evacuation of injured Army officers during operations or health emergencies in areas at high altitude.
- The choppers are also generally used for observation, reconnaissance, essential road drops, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue.
- The helicopters have also participated in the Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief- HADR operations all over the country.
- In the past, it has also played a significant role in operations such as Kargil and has also been at the forefront in carrying out various tasks during the ongoing military stand-off between India and China in Ladakh.
About Army Aviation Corps:
Formed on 1 November 1986, the Army Aviation Corps comprises of helicopters which fly in conflict and peace zones. The Army Aviation Corps is headed by the Director-General at the army headquarters. The pilots for the aviation corps are drawn from other combat arms which also includes artillery officers. The Aviation Corps comprises of helicopters that fly in the peace and conflict zones.