Active 1965 - present Branch Nepal Army Size 500 | Country Nepal Type Army aviation | |
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Role Battlefield support and transport | ||
Nepal has no separate Air Force but flies several aircraft within Nepalese Army Service, also known as the Nepal Army Air Wing. It was formed in 1960s, but became an air force unit in 1979. Finally, It is now again a part of the Army. It has limited combat capabilities as only few helicopters can be armed .The main objective of this flying element is transport, flying paratroopers and assistance in case of an emergency (e.g. natural disasters). Apart from the 11th Brigade the country has established a VIP Flight from Tribhuvan Airport, mostly the aircraft are stationed at Kathmandu, Surkhet and Dipayal.
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From 1996 to 2006 the country was in civil war against Maoist rebels who strove to overthrow the constitutional monarchy and establish a republic. Their attacks increased since the massacre of the Royal Family in 2001. This development led to the need for armed helicopters. Several types of aircraft have entered service since: MI-17s, M28 Skytruck, HAL Lancer and HAL Dhruv. The UK has delivered two Britten-Norman Islanders and two MI-17s free of charge. China decided to supply an MA-60 (an Y-7 derivative). Nepal has also purchased HAL Cheetah and HAL Chetak helicopters.
In November 2014, India gave an HAL Dhruv as part of a strategic pact.
The NAAS consists of about 500 members.
Facilities
In all Nepal there are 36 airfields that are able to support military operations. See also the full list of airports in Nepal
Army pilots training School
The Nepalese Army Air Service has its flying and helicopter pilots training school since 2004 within the No 11. Brigade and is the only helicopter pilot training school in Nepal.
Along with the army air service pilots, the school also produces civilian pilots. The school provides training using Mi-17, Bell and Ecureuil helicopters.