Nepalese Army Air Service

Nepalese Army Air Service
Nepalese Army Air Service roundel
Active 1965 - present
Country Nepal Nepal
Branch Nepal Army
Type Air force
Role Aerial warfare
Size 500
Part of Military
Garrison/HQ Kathmandu
Janakpur
Biratnagar
Surkhet
Dipayal
Engagements Nepalese Civil War
Website https://www.nepalarmy.mil.np

Nepal has no separate Air Force but flies several aircraft within the Nepalese Army Air Service, also known as the Nepal Army Air Wing (formerly Royal Nepalese Air Force). 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.

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.[1]

The NAAS consists of about 500 members.

Notable Flying Officer

  • Major Niru Dhungana = First batch of women military pilot
  • Major Anita Ale Magar = First batch of women military pilot

Aircraft

Current Inventory

A PZL M-28 of Nepal Army.
A Nepal Army Mil Mi-171.
Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Transport
PZL M-28 Poland transport 2[2] 4 on order[3]
Britten-Norman BN-2 United Kingdom transport 1[2]
Hawker Siddeley HS 748 United Kingdom transport 1[2]
CASA/IPTN CN-235 Indonesia transport 1 on order[4]
Helicopters
Mil Mi-8 Russia utility 6[2]
HAL Dhruv India utility / SAR 4[2]
Eurocopter AS350 France light utility 1[2]
Aérospatiale SA330 France utility / transport 1[2]
Aérospatiale SA315 France light utility 2[2]
Aérospatiale Alouette III France utility 4[2]
AgustaWestland AW139 Italy 1 on order[5]

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.

Accidents and incidents

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.rediff.com/news/report/modi-holds-strategic-talks-with-nepal-gifts-bodhi-sapling-helicopter/20141125.htm
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "World Air Forces 2017". Flightglobal Insight. 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  3. ↑ "Nepal Army to receive four Skytruck from American Aid". Aviation Nepal. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
  4. ↑ "Nepalese Army buying Military Transport aircraft from Indonesia, can "even" carry "a small vehicle"". Flightglobal Insight. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
  5. ↑ http://helihub.com/2018/07/11/nepal-army-procures-one-aw139-and-two-h125s/
  6. ↑ "Accident description". Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  7. ↑ "Accident description". Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  8. ↑ "Accident description". Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  9. ↑ "Accident description". Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  10. ↑ http://www.myrepublica.com/news/20939/

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