MoD asks Army, IAF to reconcile differences on attack choppers
13 Sep 2011
New Delhi: Defence minister AK Antony has asked two competing defence services, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, to reconcile differences over the control of aviation assets, primarily combat helicopters. He said today there was a "difference of perception" over the issue.
"Regarding aviation assets, naturally there are some differences in perception," the minister said at the silver jubilee function of the Army Aviation Corps.
The two forces have a difference of opinion on the use of Mi-35 attack helicopters, which are used to provide support to ground troops.
The army has argued that it should control these assets as they are primarily used for supporting ground operations, while the IAF argues that it was better suited to perform such roles.
"While enhancing your capabilities and performing your role, I feel you must ensure that there is perfect synergy between army and the IAF.... We have to work for this reconciliation," Antony said.
"In our public life, it (reconciliation) is in everyday life. But now services will also have to learn the art of reconciliation among themselves. This effort should be among yourselves so that India can have a very strong and better coordinated determined force to face future threats," Antony said.