In a significant move, the Indian Army has decided to induct women officers into its Aviation Corps’ flying branch from next year.
Addressing media persons during the annual press conference in New Delhi, Army chief Gen MM Naravane said, “Last month, I had initiated a proposal that women officers can be recruited to Army aviation. And three directorates concurred. Next course which will begin in July this year, they will be inducted for training purposes in flying branch and after one year they will be able to join in operational duties.”
So far women are recruited for Air Traffic Control which is a ground duty.
The Army Aviation Corps was raised on November 1 in 1986. The Corps have officers and jawans from all arms of the Army, including a significant number from the artillery.
After its raising in 1986, the Army Aviation Corps proved its impeccable combat credentials during ‘Operation Pawan’ in Sri Lanka against Tamil Tigers in 1987.
The Corps had also played a significant role during the Kargil War in 1999.
Army Aviation Corps’ choppers are being used for reconnaissance, observation, casualty evacuation, essential load drops, combat search and rescue, thus adding an invaluable air dimension to the Army’s capabilities.
During peacetime, the helicopters participate in Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief operations across the country.
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