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Within the context of the Indian Army, many defence commentators and analysts have emphasised the need to develop and define the role of the Army Aviation Corps. Considering the increasing importance of defining distinct roles for various corps that make up the different parts of the military’s Combined Arms Team, the National Security Initiative of the Observer Research Foundation held a workshop to examine the relevance of the Army Aviation Corps. This report details the outcome of a discussion amongst prominent defence personnel.
Army aviation was developed as the aviation-related component of a nation’s land forces. In its essence, it is made up of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, which are required for air assault, liaison, transportation and search and rescue, and which function under the operational purview of the land force commander. Historically, the Army Aviation Corps emerged as a result of the need for spotter aircraft or Air Observation Post (Air OP) units to help facilitate and assist field artillery. In this context, Air OP aircrafts were utilised for the targeting of artillery fire, the gathering of intelligence, assistance in bombing missions and communication, among other functions. The development of the modern-day air force conversely affected the requirement for an Army Aviation Corps. This did, however, coincide with the emergence of helicopters and saw the evolution of army aviation as it began to take on operations that were not covered by the air force.
Many cite the Vietnam War—labelled “America’s Helicopter War” by some—as a watershed moment for army aviation. The conflict proved to be a litmus test for army aviation’s versatility and flexibility. During the war, for instance, the US Army Aviation’s helicopters were utilised for medical evacuation, combat, troop transport, combat and logistical support, and to help re-supply ground forces. They proved to be a critical part of the Combined Arms Team and were extensively utilised thereafter. Among the lessons learnt from the Vietnam War was the need for air mobility in the context of contemporary conflicts. These lessons significantly helped develop the concepts of army aviation’s doctrines within the context of an integrated combined arms team.
Although history and examples of other militaries provide a fair amount of preceding models, none
can be effectively emulated in the context of the Indian Army Aviation because of the unique operational requirements of the Indian military. The Indian Army Aviation (and Air Force) has to operate in considerably diverse and, at times, hostile environments—from the Himalayas to the Thar Desert—thus creating a set of unique needs and requirements that must be addressed. Furthermore, these requirements are compounded by the need for army aviation to be able to respond to developing challenges, such as cross-border terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. In this regard, Indian Army Aviation needs to be significantly developed and consolidated in an all-round manner to be able to effectively deal with the country’s changing security environment.
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