Australia has stood up a new Army Aviation Command, to better optimise the army’s usage of rotorcraft across a range of operations.
The new command will coordinate the service entry of new helicopters and unmanned systems, and also focus on the safety, effectiveness, and sustainment of the current army helicopter fleet, says Australia’s Department of Defence.
“The alignment of Army’s aviation capability under its own command optimises Army Aviation to better support land, amphibious and special operations,” says army chief Lieutenant General Rick Burr.
“The Command will improve resilience and adaptability and ensure Army’s training system is agile and contemporary. The unity, sense of purpose and focus in a single command will support our land forces to achieve more tasks, in more difficult environments.”
The change will see the 16th Aviation Brigade, which controls the army’s aviation units, and the Army Aviation Training Centre shifted from Army Forces Command to the new Army Aviation Command.
General Stephen Jobson will be in charge of the new command.
“Aviation Command will coordinate the introduction into service of new helicopters and unmanned aerial systems, and enhance and assure the safety, effectiveness and sustainability of current aircraft,” says Jobson.
“The changes to Army’s aviation command and control structure will simplify the management of Army’s helicopters—one of the most multifaceted and resource-intensive platforms used by the land forces.”
The Australian Army operates types such as the Airbus Helicopters Tiger, Boeing CH-47F, and NH Industries NH90 (designated MRH90 in Australian service).
