Solution soon on Army, IAF spat over choppers: Antony

[SpArK]

Solution soon on Army, IAF spat over choppers: Antony
​

The issue between the Army and the IAF for controlling attack helicopters was a "family problem" and the government was in the final stages of finding a solution for it, Defence Minister A K Antony said here today.

The Army has been demanding the control over attack and medium-lift helicopters saying they are mainly used for its operations and that is why they should be under it. The IAF, which operates two squadrons of Russian-origin Mi-35/25 attack choppers, has been opposing the demand.


"There is no tussle and there is no war. These are all family problems and we will find a solution. We are in the final stages of finding the solution amicably. Don't go beyond that," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Territorial Army Day parade.

The Minister was asked if the Defence Ministry has rejected Army's demand to have its own fleet of attack and medium-lift helicopters, over which the two services are engaged in a battle.
The IAF had recently said that it has rejected the Army's demand to have their own attack and medium-lift helicopters contending that the country can't afford to have these "little air forces" growing up to do their "own things".

Commenting on its proposal, Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh said the Defence Ministry holds a very "sympathetic view" about the demand raised by the Army for having its own attack helicopters.

It is still under the active consideration of the Ministry and it is not correct for anyone to say that the Ministry has shelved the Army's proposal in this regard, he said.

Recently, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne had said "little air forces" cannot be allowed to grow up asking if the Coast Guard asks for submarines, will it be given the assets by the Navy.

Solution soon on Army, IAF spat over choppers: Antony | Business Standard

 

[third eye]

I like his point.. These are family problems..

What will the MOD do ? Give them all to the Navy ?

 

[Splurgenxs]

well if the Army wants all the peace time roles then how is IAF even gon a boast a good lineup of experience pilots tht might train future pilots.
Army should only be allowed helies fr lift and ferry operations. There trying to hog all the responsibilities.

But on another note all airforce fraternity ppl througout the world are notorious fr bragging about how they saved infantry lives by flying in there cosy cockpits. im just guessing but this could also be a factor.

 

[OrionHunter]

This issue should be based on the threat analyses and doctrinal concepts for the optimal employment of war assets. What has a politician like the defence minister got to do with it? These are are best sorted out in house within the armed forces themselves. The air force should face the reality. There has been a vast change in doctrines since the 60s and it is imperative that the Army has an air wing too that includes attack and heavy lift choppers.

The air force should climb down from its high horse and face the realities of the emerging battlefield environment.

 

[Abingdonboy]

I reckon in a few years when the IAF is focused on all its new aqcustions like the Rafale,Super MKIs,LCA,AWACS,AARs,C-17s,C-130Js etc then the IA can make a new push and will be succsesful.

 

[Alphacharlie]

I reckon in a few years when the IAF is focused on all its new aqcustions like the Rafale,Super MKIs,LCA,AWACS,AARs,C-17s,C-130Js etc then the IA can make a new push and will be succsesful.

Disagreed. AIR Cavalry formaltion will be completed shortly. LongBows belong to us "Vyam Suveg Va Sudrid"

 

[Rocky25]

Recently, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne had said "little air forces" cannot be allowed to grow up asking if the Coast Guard asks for submarines, will it be given the assets by the Navy.​

This is utter stupidity! Frankly the IAF should concentrate on fixed wing aircrafts alone! If attack helicopters are going to provide close air support to the infantry then the those should be under the Army!

If coast guard has thread perceptions and if it requires a small sub... Then there is nothing wrong in giving that!​

 

[third eye]

This is utter stupidity! Frankly the IAF should concentrate on fixed wing aircrafts alone! If attack helicopters are going to provide close air support to the infantry then the those should be under the Army!

If coast guard has thread perceptions and if it requires a small sub... Then there is nothing wrong in giving that!

No one wants to share a part of their empire.

Here lies the prob.

 

[Raje amar]

This is utter stupidity! Frankly the IAF should concentrate on fixed wing aircrafts alone! If attack helicopters are going to provide close air support to the infantry then the those should be under the Army!

If coast guard has thread perceptions and if it requires a small sub... Then there is nothing wrong in giving that!

definately. IA must be allowed to control the rotary flying machines. most of the times these machines are used for close air support & movement of trups to the forward location in war time. i totally support IA's position on the issue.
IAF must concentrate on the fixed wing assets of the armed forces.

 

[Sergi]

Hope it solve soon. And IA wins
Why aren't fixed wing planes aren't enough for IAF ???

 

[Nirvana]

Best thing - Give all the Attack choppers and Med-lift Choppers to Navy,Give all the Battle Cruisers Ships to Air force,and Fighter jets to Army